Celebrating
the 19th Anniversary of
Supreme Master Ching Hai Day

 

 

 

Message of love: The filled-to-capacity audience listens attentively to
Supreme Master Ching Hai’s cordial video greeting just before the musical.

Taking
a Look
Inside

Loving the Silent Tears

By Supreme Master Television (Originally in English)


On October 27, Golden Year 9 (2012), 6,000-plus audience members emerged from the Shrine Auditorium rejoicing in the show they had just seen. “A life-changing experience!” exclaimed one attendee. Another expressed, “I have walked out there just grateful. I’ll probably hug like ten people that I didn’t know!”

“A UNIQUE CELEBRATION!”

—Broadway World

The world premiere of Loving the Silent Tears: The Musical, in Los Angeles, California, USA, was indeed a remarkable celebration of peace, love, culture, and charity. The audience included many fans from other states and countries, with members of the media covering the event. With the addition of global viewers tuning in live, Loving the Silent Tears truly united people, and thus aptly commemorated the 19th Anniversary of Supreme Master Ching Hai Day honoring a world-renowned humanitarian and peace advocate.

In addition to celebrity veg MCs, guest speakers included vegetarian Oscar-winning actor George Chakiris (West Side Story) and California State Senator Curren Price, Jr. Supreme Master Ching Hai, who was in an intensive meditation retreat, gave a special video greeting, in which she thanked all involved in the musical and shared some good news about our planet. She also said, “It is good that we still can celebrate in whichever way to beautify life on Earth as given by God. It is good that we still love, still enjoy, still share our goodness to all that coexist in this world and the next. It is good that we still believe in everything that is noble and positive, and Heavenly power will definitely prevail. … Though I possibly couldn’t watch the event, and though I am not aware of the content of this program in advance, I trust that it will be great, and all who watch it will enjoy hugely.”

The poet: Supreme Master Ching Hai (vegan); August 8, 2009

Many audience members were deeply impressed by Supreme Master Ching Hai’s loving greeting. “I really would have appreciated if she had been here and said the last words to that musical,” said audience member Brita Millard. “I’m looking forward to reading her poems.”

Directed by Tony nominee Vincent Paterson, who was the director and choreographer of Michael Jackson’s and Madonna’s world tours, and choreographed by Emmy winner Bonnie Story of High School Musical 1, 2, 3 fame, Loving the Silent Tears was created based on the poetry collection, Silent Tears, by Supreme Master Ching Hai. Two-time Oscar-winning composer Al Kasha had been profoundly touched by the poems about humanity’s struggle for inner happiness, and wished to express them through a musical.

“The United States’ best
dancers display the vibrant
cultures of six continents!”

— KTLK AM1150

“[Her poetry] comes from a loving spirit, obviously; a spirit that cares about humanity, the universe, nature, animals,” stated Grammy winner Jody Watley, who represented Africa in the musical. “To help bring her words to life, to be a part of that, is very special to me.”

“A PRESTIGIOUS CAST.”
—Jamaica Gleaner

One humanity: By the end of the show, a blissful togetherness resonates between performers and spectators.

FABULOUS!”
—More Magazine

“The most professional, most beloved,
most successful people in theatre and the music world are here today.”

—ANDISHEH TV

Jon Secada (Cuban),
2-time Grammy winner
Liel Kolet (Israeli), Camellia Abou-Odah (Arab), Siavash Shams (Iranian)
Black Uhuru (Jamaican), Grammy winners
Hồ Quỳnh Hương (vegan) (Aulacese)
& Patti Cohenour
(Joy)
Flo Ankah (French) Liz Callaway (Australian)
Brian Joo (Korean)
Mark Janicello
(vegetarian) (Italian)

Other eminent composers who set Supreme Master Ching Hai’s poems to engaging songs in diverse styles were: 6-time Grammy winner and 2-time Oscar nominee Jorge Calandrelli (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon), Emmy winner Doug Katsaros (Footloose), 2-time Grammy winner and 3-time Oscar nominee Henry Krieger (Dreamgirls), Tony and Emmy winner Don Pippin (Mame), Grammy winner Nan Schwartz (Harry Potter), and Oscar and 2-time Grammy winner David Shire (Saturday Night Fever).

Bethann Carbone from ExpressIt Media in Pennsylvania, USA, said, “The creativity and talent of the professionals that put together this tribute is truly a testament to Supreme Master Ching Hai's vision for a more healthy, joyful, peaceful, and more loving world.”

The story followed the bereaved mother Joy and a worldly youth named Pete, who both board a fantasy train with a wise albeit humorous Conductor. They find themselves on an eventful trip across six continents, but more importantly on a journey of the spirit.

Remarkable... Brilliant.
Truly a theatregoing first.”
 

—FOOTLIGHTS

Sixteen of the world’s magnificent cultures were glorified through the cast that included 2-time Grammy Award-winning music icon Jon Secada (Cuba), Grammy winner R&B/pop star Jody Watley (Africa), and Broadway stars: Tony winners Debbie Gravitte (USA) and Kiril Kulish (Russia), Tony nominee Patti Cohenour (lead character Joy), and Emmy winner and Tony nominee Liz Callaway (Australia). The stars also included Grammy-winning Jamaican reggae legends Black Uhuru, Arab singer Camellia Abou-Odah, French singer Flo Ankah, actor Junior Case (the Conductor), award-winning actor Luke Eberl (Pete), Aulacese pop star Hồ Quỳnh Hương, Italian tenor Mark Janicello, Korean pop star Brian Joo, award-winning Israeli singer Liel Kolet, Irish soprano Katie McMahon, Korean singer Heather Park, award-winning Brazilian singer Fabiana Passoni, Persian superstar Siavash Shams, and Chinese platinum pop star Kay Tse.

Al Kasha
 2-time Oscar winner
Jorge Calandrelli
 6-time Grammy winner
Doug Katsaros
Emmy winner
Henry Krieger
2-time Grammy winner
Don Pippin
 Tony & Emmy winner
Nan Schwartz
 Grammy winner

 

Broadway Cares /
Equity Fights AIDS
Animal Defenders International
Worldwide Veterinary Service

Letters of gratitude: Appreciation letters from the three charities that were honored by Supreme Master Ching Hai during the event.

Their enchanting vocals were complemented by the 21-piece orchestra and culturally flavored dances by 45 premier US dancers. One theatergoer named Kent Tucker said, “The story itself was tender and touching. But all of the entertainment and the costumes and the dances, it was just wonderful!”

After the musical, three charitable organizations, Broadway Cares / Equity Fights AIDS, Animal Defenders International, and Worldwide Veterinary Service, accepted US$100,000 each in contributions from Supreme Master Ching Hai, who wished to donate on behalf of all the musical artists and to honor the organizations for their noble work. Government dignitaries presented the checks to the groups’ representatives on stage.

The event’s uplifting experience was enhanced even further through an ethereal art exhibition of Supreme Master Ching Hai’s creative pieces.

“Winners of the most major
and recognized awards in
entertainment in this country.”

—UNIVISION

One visitor enthused, “Everything is so beautiful. Oh my God! [The jewelry] are beautiful and they seem like they are just to give you a lift, when you were in there. I feel so good right now!”

A VIP banquet offered an abundance of compassionate, tasty vegan cuisine in what was a most joyful way to conclude a memorable event.

As journalist Molli Carlson of Pasadena Magazine recounted, “It was a full-fledged afternoon of artistic and optimistic altruism for everyone involved.”

Read on to find out what some of the media and audience members from around the globe have said, and get to know more about each of the event’s extraordinary artists… plus more, as we take an inside look at Loving the Silent Tears!

David Shire
   Oscar & 2-time Grammy winner
Act II opening number: "Eternal Game"
Actors: Junior Case, Patti Cohenour, Luke Eberl, Nikki Tomlinson
Jody Watley (African)
Grammy winner
Kay Tse (vegetarian)
(Chinese)
Katie McMahon
(Irish)
Debbie Gravitte (USA)
Tony winner
Fabiana Passoni
(Brazilian)
Heather Park (vegan) (Korean)
Kiril Kulish (Russian)
Tony winner


“ Spreading the message of peace and
love through art, and awakening the
loving kindness within everyone.”
 

—ETTV



Opening number: “Never Set Foot”

Shrine Expo Hall: Art exhibition of Supreme Master Ching Hai’s works   VIP vegan banquet

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