MEDIA
COVERAGE |
 SPECIAL
REPORTLOVING
THE SILENT TEARS |
With the musical featuring an epic journey spanning six continents, the news coverage of Loving the Silent Tears: The Musical likewise reached a global audience with international media reporting from as far away as Australia, Jamaica, Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, and Hong Kong. In addition, with an active online presence through social media like Facebook and Twitter, news spread quickly to fans in places like the Netherlands, Canada, Singapore, Germany, and Nigeria. Various major media, including newspapers, magazines, television, radio, websites, and social media, were abuzz announcing, featuring, and reviewing the musical’s one-time premiere. They ranged from local media such as Los Angeles Times newspaper, The Hollywood Reporter magazine, and KCAL Channel 9, to the largest ethnic media groups including Univision (Hispanic), World Journal (Chinese), Voice of America (Persian) and MBC 9 News (Korean). In all, well over 400 media outlets helped to inform the public about Loving the Silent Tears, both before and after the event. The following are a sample of what they have said:
On Air with Tony Sweet on Global Voice Broadcasting is a top entertainment talk show with over half-a-million listeners. Having interviewed several cast members in the studio, radio host Tony Sweet enthusiastically remarked, “Just watching the highlights from the announcement video really touched me in a lot of ways, because it’s bringing people from all over the world together to make this musical, and I love that… it really is inspiring. … I think this type of cast and this type of project is wonderful for the world right now, because we need more like this that brings people together to bring understanding, and music is always the best way to do it.” ..........................................................................................................................
During an interview with 2-time Oscar-winning composer Al Kasha, Life After 50 Magazine’s David Laurell commented about the musical, “It transcends someone’s religious beliefs. No matter what you may think, even if someone were not familiar with the teachings or the tenets of the Supreme Master, it transcends what people would feel about religion or spirituality. … Not only does this particular musical have incredible music but some of the finest talent that roams the planet today. So in late October, the coming together of all of this incredible talent is going to make for an amazing evening.” ..........................................................................................................................
The monthly THE Magazine of Pasadena, California, USA wrote, “This autumn, we will have the gift of an extraordinary collaboration of Broadway stars, pop icons and Hollywood composers on a new musical… Loving the Silent Tears is the title of a new Broadway-scale musical that promises to be as spectacular as it is unique.” ..........................................................................................................................
Awareness Magazine, the Southwest US guide to conscious living distributed to more than 70,000 readers, stated, “A new musical, glittering with stars and Hollywood glamour, is about to lift our consciousness a little higher. … And seeing how this new musical shines brightly – not only with celebrity, but also an elevated awareness, it’s likely to be another winner among peace-loving hearts.”
Conducting interviews with talents involved in the upcoming show, radio host Bob Lebensold of the radio talk show, “Environmentally Sound” on the New York-based WVOX radio station, introduced the musical as follows: “Our next guest is Mark Janicello. He is an Italian American tenor born in Brooklyn, raised in North Carolina, and now he lives in the Netherlands and that’s where we speak to him from. Mark is one of the stars in an upcoming musical based on the poetry of our good friend Supreme Master Ching Hai. We have had her on this radio program. She’s a great lady, I have a great deal of affection for her. The production is called ‘Loving the Silent Tears.’ The show combines the magic of theatre, the mystical beauty of traditional dances, soul-stirring realm of poetry, and more. Wow! And it’s only one time.” Diverse ethnic media members reported about Loving the Silent Tears, as well. ..........................................................................................................................
With 52 million viewers, Univision is the leading US Spanish-language television network, and also one of the top five of all television networks in the US. Univision introduced the show: “The musical, Loving the Silent Tears, comes to Los Angeles, and for this the production has assembled a cast, most of whose members have been winners of the most major and recognized awards in entertainment in this country, like the Grammys or the Oscars. Jon Secada is one of them. … The Cuban singer Jon Secada is one of the first Latinos to get a starring role in the Broadway musical Grease, and now a new staging, this time with Loving the Silent Tears.” ..........................................................................................................................
French Morning, a French web magazine with 80,000 visitors per month, featured cast member Flo Ankah (also known as Floanne) in an article written by Ghalia Kadiri. An excerpt reads: “Time Out nicknamed her ‘the French Madonna’, others see her as the new Edith Piaf. Flo Ankah is a French singer and actress rarely found nowadays. Used to New York stages and cabaret shows, Floanne is about to join the cast of the promising musical ‘Loving the Silent Tears’. … The musical is actually based on a work hitherto never adapted to the theatre. It is the poetry of the Supreme Master Ching Hai, ‘Silent Tears’, which addresses the theme of the pursuit of happiness and inner peace. … Chosen for her original tone and her voice charged with emotion, Floanne stated she is ‘honored to have been selected to participate in this production.’”
The Chinese-language channel ETTV (Eastern Television) America, the local version of its namesake parent TV company in Formosa, broadcasts to over 1.25 million households. They reported: “Kay Tse, the famous singer from Hong Kong, has been invited to join the performance of the new musical Loving the Silent Tears in the USA. Not only is she the only Chinese principal cast member in this show, she will also collaborate with other internationally renowned artists on the same stage. Lots of Chinese Americans in southern California are looking forward to her performance.” ..........................................................................................................................
Meanwhile, in an interview talk show with Korean cast members Brian Joo and Heather Park, the host of TVK24, a Korean-language network broadcasting to 20 million households, stated, “On today’s episode, we are going to talk about ‘Loving The Silent Tears’ which is regarded as a monumental musical that would mark a new era in musical history, and we’ll speak with two Korean performers who have been firmly cast and are to proudly introduce Korean culture in this musical…. Now that the whole world is becoming one cultural community, we have a new type of musical, ‘Loving the Silent Tears.’ We hope there comes a wider understanding about Korean culture through this musical.” ..........................................................................................................................
The second most read newspaper in L.A. after The Los Angeles Times, La Opinion is one of the largest Spanish-language newspapers in the USA. Having conducted a telephone interview with Jon Secada for Loving the Silent Tears, Lucero Amador Miranda wrote, “The new musical, Loving the Silent Tears, for which Jon Secada has written a song, has, according to the Cuban singer, ‘a very rhythmic, tropical style,’ he explained in a telephone interview with ¡holaLA!. … To be in a theatrical setting, he says, is not foreign to what he has done in his career, because it is precisely in the theatre that he began his artistic adventure….” The newspaper also reported in its La Vibra entertainment magazine, “Jon Secada has been involved in many charitable causes of late and this event is no different in its meaningful cause for peace. … You can be among the first to enjoy Jon Secada’s new song, ‘All Love, All Forgive,’ and be a part of this inspirational event.”
Meanwhile, Irish American newspaper, The Irish Herald, announced the show in an article: “She was the voice that enchanted the world in the original ‘Riverdance,’ the show that ushered in a renewed appreciation of Irish arts. Now, Katie McMahon, the native Dubliner also known for recording with the vocal group Anúna, proudly represents her Irish culture this time in a phenomenal US-staged production, a star-studded musical titled ‘Loving the Silent Tears.’” ..........................................................................................................................
The major Persian language publication, Tehran International Weekly Magazine, also printed a report: “Alongside distinguished American artists, Siavash Shams will be promoting peace in the new musical ‘Loving the Silent Tears.’ … Considering Siavash’s great status in Iranian pop culture, it is hard to think of a better person to be a cultural representative for Iranians.” ..........................................................................................................................
Alessandra Mastroianni of the Italian and English language newspaper L’Italo-Americano wrote in an article titled, “Loving the Silent Tears – Tenor Mark Janicello to perform in an amazing show”: “Los Angeles is ready to welcome ‘Loving the Silent Tears,’ the musical based on a collection of poems by Supreme Master Ching Hai, world-renowned spiritual teacher, humanitarian, poet and artist. Her work has been transformed into music by composer Al Kasha, for a show that will transport you into the spiritual dimension of 16 different countries and will leave you amazed. The musical features big names such as Grammy Award winners Jon Secada, Jody Watley and Black Uhuru. And of course, tenor Mark Janicello.”
In a program on Little Saigon TV, an Aulacese language channel reaching up to 14 million viewers across North America, an interview was conducted with Aulacese pop star Hồ Quỳnh Hương. The host introduced her and her new role, saying, “Dear viewers, today I’m here to introduce to you a very unique entertainment show, a new musical entitled ‘Loving the Silent Tears.’ A group of acclaimed singers and artists will gather on the same stage to deliver their creative production to you. Our Vietnamese people also have a part in the program – a very charming female singer from Vietnam.” ..........................................................................................................................
In Brazil, the Jornal da Mantiqueira newspaper wrote in Portuguese, “A singer from Poços de Caldas city is very successful in the United States. Recognized for her work abroad and winning the award for best Brazilian singer living in the North American country, Fabiana Passoni now takes part of a major musical, for which she was named to represent her home country. … The fact that, every day, she has been gaining more notice inside the American music scene and the award for Best Female Brazilian Singer living in the USA by Brazilian International Press Awards has earned Fabiana Passoni an invitation to be the representative of Brazil in ‘Loving the Silent Tears.’ This is a musical theatre production based on a book of poems by Supreme Master Ching Hai, a Vietnamese woman of peace.” ..........................................................................................................................
In the Jewish community, Los Angeles Jewish News, with 100,000 readers, reported, “With a meteoric rise to success from childhood, 23-year-old Israeli singing sensation Liel Kolet will be joining a dazzling cast of pop icons and Broadway stars in Loving the Silent Tears”…. Liel is proud to represent her homeland Israel in this production, which takes a marvelous journey around the world through 16 countries across 6 continents.”
After the event, reviews were seen from across the media. The following are some examples:
Known as the largest and most comprehensive theatre site, Broadway World posted the event’s highlights video and observed, “The show went deeper than most similar events do with its theme about humanity’s universal search for inner happiness, as was inspired by the poetry anthology, Silent Tears, by Supreme Master Ching Hai.” ..........................................................................................................................
Molli Carlson of Pasadena Magazine, a lifestyle publication with up to 25,000 readers monthly, wrote: “On Saturday, October 27, general merriment filled the air as crowds gathered outside Los Angeles’ famed Shrine Auditorium for the world premiere of a unique musical experience entitled Loving the Silent Tears. …It told the tale of two troubled protagonists and their universally understandable quest for inner harmony. The finished product took its captivated audience on a visual, aural and spiritual journey across 16 countries as a 30-member ensemble performed to a live orchestra, in what can only be described as a musically-enhanced melting pot. The stage was elaborately set, the performers were exceptional, and the philanthropic spirit was as beautiful as the songs; $300,000 was rewarded to three charitable organizations in honor of the event. It was a full-fledged afternoon of artistic and optimistic altruism for everyone involved.” ..........................................................................................................................
California Adventure TV, which seeks out noteworthy places and events and airs on Los Angeles’ KCAL Channel 9, stated, “An extraordinary new musical certainly proved itself a great boon for Los Angeles music and theatre lovers on October 27. Loving the Silent Tears was a phenomenal show with superstars galore hailing from Broadway and pop music industries, songs and cultures from all over the world, and on top of it all, a beautiful message about humanity’s eternal search for inner happiness.”
Voice of America is the US government’s international broadcasting service, with an estimated global audience of 123 million people. Voice of America - Iran offered substantial coverage of the musical on its program, “Shabahang.” The show’s host opened his presentation in Persian, saying, “Now it is time for the report that many of you have been waiting for. A few weeks ago, the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles hosted a musical with famous international artists and singers. The musical, called Loving the Silent Tears, received much appreciation from art lovers. Siavash Shams, the beloved Persian pop singer, represented Iran, and along with other singers, performed in different parts of this program. … This program was performed on the occasion of the 19th anniversary of the day of the world-renowned spiritual Master, Master Ching Hai. Known as Supreme Master Ching Hai, the writer, poet, painter, musician, and jewelry and fashion designer was born in Vietnam. …because of her philanthropic and peaceful activities around the world, she has received many plaques and awards from numerous famous people of different countries.” ..........................................................................................................................
CAL Review LA, a Los Angeles-based online newspaper informing readers around the world of interesting news and events in the city, also attended the event and enthused: “Directed by the highly acclaimed Vincent Paterson, Tony nominee and director of two world tours (Michael Jackson and Madonna) comes this new musical, Loving the Silent Tears. And its simple and deep message was not overshadowed by its evidently star-studded performers, Grammy Award-winning music icon Jon Secada, Grammy-winning R&B/pop star Jody Watley and dozens of Emmy and Tony-winning cast members. Kindness, compassion, generosity, love and spiritual evolvement through adversity is the lesson and thread woven through this high-energy and wonderful uplifting show.” ..........................................................................................................................
Patricia Foster Rye from Larchmont Chronicle, a newspaper serving more than 77,000 readers in one of Los Angeles’ most historical residential areas, wrote, “The one-time only performance of Loving the Silent Tears: The Musical featured the poetry of poet and vegan Supreme Master Ching Hai set to a variety of musical styles from seven composers. On the Shrine Auditorium stage, there were an amazing number of performers from many countries, and the logistics were accomplished masterfully.”
America Oggi, an Italian language newspaper, featured Italian tenor Mark Janicello, highlighting his thoughts on the musical. America Oggi’s Giuseppe Greco also explained, “This wondrous musical premiere is a joyful commemoration of the 19th anniversary of Supreme Master Ching Hai Day, which was inaugurated by the esteemed Mayor of Honolulu, Hawaii Frank Francis Fasi in honor of Supreme Master Ching Hai’s exemplary humanitarian and spiritual contributions to the world. In Italy, she has offered assistance in times of disaster and has been invited to lecture in Rome. In 2006, she honored former Italian Health Minister Girolamo Sirchia with her Shining World Leadership Award for the government’s successful smoking ban law.” ..........................................................................................................................
Sing Tao Daily, the most popular overseas Chinese newspaper, published an article titled “Kay Tse Moves Hearts in ‘Loving the Silent Tears: The Musical,’” which reported: “Kay Tse was recently in Los Angeles to star in ‘Loving the Silent Tears,’ a new musical that celebrated the beauty of the world’s cultures. … Fans applauded as she appeared on stage dressed like a Chinese angel. The dancers around her were choreographed by Emmy winner Bonnie Story. The lyrics made some cry: ‘Hallo Buddha, why do you cry? / In your stone heart how much desire? / Why do your tears stream down the sea? / Why give your love to the pebble?’” ..........................................................................................................................
Distributed nationally in the US and internationally, the largest Lebanese and Arab American newspaper, Beirut Times, highlighted the Arab singer Camellia Abou-Odah and the musical’s portrayal of Middle Eastern culture: “With the musical representing the glorious cultures of 16 countries, Camellia proudly represented her Arab culture, singing in both English and Arabic. She promoted a touching message of peace by singing one song during the show with Persian singer Siavash Shams and Israeli singer Liel Kolet. They were accompanied by a dance troupe of more than 30 Arab-style dancers, including several magnificent belly-dancers.”
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Saigon Broadcasting Television Network (SBTN) is viewed by 1.6 million people on major North American cable networks. On its program, “In Focus,” host Thủy Phan began a segment on Loving the Silent Tears as follows: “If ever the notion of world peace were to ever find its way to the stage, it would be in the form of Loving the Silent Tears, the musical. Celebrating the work of Supreme Master Ching Hai, Loving the Silent Tears was not only a musical event, it was also a time for charity. … Loving the Silent Tears is by far one of the most inclusive examples of what it means to have peace and unity between different nations. Through art, music and poetry, people from every walk of life were able to join together for a common cause.” ..........................................................................................................................
Karibbean Expressions Magazine and the affiliated myKEEtv, both showcasing Caribbean talent on a worldwide platform online, featured stories and video coverage about the Grammy-winning reggae legends, Black Uhuru, on the red carpet and the stage for Loving the Silent Tears. The magazine wrote: “Loving the Silent Tears is an unparalleled cultural celebration with a cause. It’s a Broadway-style production that tells stories of compassion, humanity and the universal language of music.” ..........................................................................................................................
Likewise, We Are in America, a Hebrew-language monthly magazine with a circulation of 10,000, featured Israeli singer Liel Kolet on the front cover lighting candles for Hanukkah, the traditional Jewish holiday. A full two-page story showed as its main photo Liel at the Shrine Auditorium red carpet before the show, and explained how she dedicates her career to peace: “Last month the well-known artist performed in a musical, Loving the Silent Tears.” Although
space does not allow us to present excerpts from all the media
involved, we would like to thank them all for sharing the uplifting
experience of Loving the Silent Tears with their audiences.
The features before the event helped to make the show a success
while the thoughtful post-coverage pieces have allowed the musical’s
message of peace and love to live on. May Heaven bless the media’s
noble work of informing and benefiting humankind. ..........................................................................................................................
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