On August 27th, 2011 a sold out tribute world premiere of the musical "The Real Love" took place at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in California, USA. For the creation of this musical, famous actors, singers, song-writers and composers worked closely together to honor world renowned peacemaker, humanitarian, poet, acclaimed artist, best-selling author and spiritual teacher, Master Ching Hai.
During a two part extravaganza, featuring a 40 member all-star musical cast, a 20-piece orchestra and many Broadway legends, the extraordinary life journey of Master Ching Hai was brought to the stage through songs, music and an exhibition of her artwork.
Daisy Eagan ("The Secret Garden"), Tony winner Cady Huffman ("The Producers"), and Tony nominees Adam Pascal (original cast of "Rent") and Robert Torti ("Starlight Express") performed along with special guest stars including the internationally celebrated Tony winner Betty Buckley ("Cats"), Italian classical/pop star Filippa Giordano, Oscar winner Shirley Jones ("The Partridge Family"), Tony winners Trent Kowalik and Kiril Kulish (stars of "Billy Elliott"), Emmy-winning singer Faith Rivera, actor and singer Tom Schmid, actor Dick Van Patten ("Eight is Enough") and Drama Desk Award nominated soprano Lynne Wintersteller.
Original songs for the world premiere were written by eminent American composers of stage, film and television: Oscar and five time Emmy winner Bill Conti ("Rocky"), two-time Oscar winner Al Kasha ("The Morning After") from "The Poseidon Adventure", "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers"), Emmy nominee Doug Katsaros (music director for "Footloose"), Tony and Emmy winner Don Pippin ("Oliver!") and Oscar and two-time Grammy winner David Shire ("Baby", "Big"). Lyrics are based on the poetry of Master Ching Hai, Amazon #1 International Best Selling Author, who recently released From Crisis to Peace: The Organic Vegan Way is the Answer as a loving solution to help solve the present global water, food and health crisis.
"The Real Love" musical also included a guest performance by legendary singer/songwriter Don McLean and his band, presenting some of his all-time classic hits â€" "And I Love You So", "American Pie", "Vincent (Starry, Starry Night).
The event was organized to celebrate the 5th anniversary of Master Ching Haiâ€TMs inspiration of a constructive global news station dedicated to constructive global news, enlightening entertainment and uplifting programs to create a more peaceful and loving world. The station broadcasts worldwide via satellite and internet in an unprecedented 60 languages.
During the event, Master Ching Hai presented the following charities with a total of US $210,000: Child Help, Earth Save, Green Peace, United Way of Los Angeles, United Way World-Wide and the Environmental Media Association.
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