"Extraordinary."

— Brenda Vaccaro, Golden Globe & Emmy Award winner,
Oscar & 3-time Tony nominee

Following are some of the thoughts shared by guests about
Loving the Silent Tears.

Jerry Mathers, actor (Leave It to Beaver)

“You know, this is going to be a very interesting event. It’s so multicultural. There are so many different things that are going to be going on in this show, so many very talented people, that I can’t wait to see it!”

Barrett Foa, actor (NCIS: Los Angeles)

“I think this [red carpet event] is special because, first of all, it’s a live theatre event. That is not so common in this town, it’s a film/TV town, so that’s nice. I think you can just see what’s unique about it by looking behind me [at the multicultural greeters on the red carpet]… I’m excited to see what’s going to go on in there.”

Laura Rosenthal, Malibu City Council Member, California, USA

“I'm very excited! I think it's wonderful. It looks like it's an amazing event already!”

James Rolfe, founder, Afghanistan Dental Relief Project

“Everything is just so splendorous. I’m happy that this wonderful day has come. Thank you all for a glorious evening of entertainment. I appreciate all of the hard work that went into the production of the red carpet, the play itself with all the rehearsals, costumes, music; the extraordinary vegan banquet, and all of the lovely people who assisted in the event. I am most humbled by your gracious generosity. I was thinking of a word to describe the event at the Shrine Auditorium: Extraveganza! It’s a new spelling that combines EXTRA-VEGAN-ZA!”

Sunny Hilden, singer/songwriter for Ray Charles, Sting, Patti LaBelle, Herbie Hancock

“I loved [the aerialist act]. It was magical in a way that, to me, it was like a metaphor for the lifting of the soul. … If we keep reminding each other we’re supposed to be kind and loving to each other, then we get back to that place where I think that’s our natural state. And I think this musical really spoke to that beautifully.”

Randy Olsen, CEO of Celebrity International Entertainment

“A great collection of actors. I am honored to be here on this special day."

Kathy Crandall, Vice President, The Opera League of Los Angeles

“I’m really glad that we had the written poems [in the program book]… being able to read them in between the acts, that gave more meaning to the performances.”

State Senator Curren Price, Jr. of California, USA; guest speaker

“It was an exciting show, something that really demonstrates how it’s possible to achieve peace through music, and love through music. So there was a tremendous message presented in a very unique, enjoyable, exciting way. … [Supreme Master Ching Hai] is a fantastic leader, and certainly has demonstrated through her actions to provide not only the kind of spiritual, intellectual leadership, but she really cares and has demonstrated that through her humanitarian efforts around the world. So, it’s an honor to know of her, and I’m glad that we are here celebrating her today.”

Allison Chaney, film producer

“It’s moving to see art at its finest with so many talents coming together in one place. For everyone, I just want people to realize that life begins with peace, love, and light. And I feel like I was able to reconnect with that idea by coming to this show tonight.”

Billy McNamara, actor and producer, vegetarian

“The music was phenomenal tonight! The vegan cuisine is always good. They’re so good tonight. These were our third [helpings].”

Lindsay Butler, teacher and BBC presenter from UK

“The show was just brilliant. It was definitely a highlight of my trip to LA. I got goosebumps halfway through. I got choked (teary) a couple of times. [The poetry was] very deep, very meaningful and I think it's something that we can all take away with us. It's fantastic. And the fact that [Supreme Master Ching Hai] has taken time out while she's meditating, definitely it's just awe-inspiring.”

Eddie Caldwell, musical attendee

“It’s dazzling. It’s so astounding to see all these beautiful costumes – beautiful, period dresses, and people in tie attire, and all of the flavors. I can smell a lot of foods, and all of these wonderful exhibits of art. I just think it’s adorable! The area looks simply divine. It’s really beautiful. It’s so large, the Shrine Auditorium. I didn’t know how massive it was!”

Jacquelina, musical attendee

“Six thousand people, I mean, is that amazing? For the planet, that’s peace right there – everybody together, all focusing and feeling love.”

Verno Urquiza, singer/songwriter

“I brought my mother. She is particularly in need of this kind of rejuvenation for her. I wanted it to be kind of a spiritual and uplifting, inspirational thing for her, and it turned out to be even more for myself.”

Rosemary Davis Alforque, musical attendee

“I came from San Diego just for the performance! … I do have a background in art myself, and I was seeing some of [the art exhibit] and I was like, ‘Wow.’ I said, ‘I hope I get a chance to go back through it.’ I saw some of the outfits, and some of the art work. What I saw, it was nice.”

Lela Christine, editor-in-chief, Power Player Lifestyle Magazine

“I go to a lot of awards shows, a lot of different plays, galas, theatrical presentations. I think this is a very wonderful event. It’s extraordinary. I thought everything was amazing, and I’m totally impressed. What I want to share also: The beautiful woman who [inspired] all this… she is not just a Master, but a Queen!”

John Westlake, senior account executive, Anderson Printing

“Definitely the vegan message is one [I’m taking away tonight]. And got to live life. And the best part was “what you carry in your heart” – remember that.

Stanley Magnone, Emmy-nominated crew member, General Hospital (ABC)

“That is very interesting, the different dances that they have. Fabulous.”

Charles Anyiam, editor-in-chief, The African Times

“I enjoyed the show tremendously with my wife. What caught my attention is the universal nature of it, the melding of cultures that were brought together. This is probably the first time I’ve seen something like this put together.”

Xiomara Ortiz, actress

“I felt inspired because I feel like I’m at a crossroads in my life and I’m moving on to new things, and I felt that her message really moved me and it inspired me to take that step forward in my life. I was very, very happy to be able to hear her words – from her.”

Marilyn Kroplick, M.D., president of In Defense of Animals, psychiatrist from San Francisco, vegan

“I especially loved the Middle Eastern [performance] because you had the Sufis twirling, whirling, and then you had the belly dancers, and then you had Hasidic Jews. You had everybody there altogether in one. It was just what the Supreme Master stands for, which is bringing everyone together in peace and harmony.”