Chris Emile

Blain-Cruz Directs and Emile Choreographs “Stranger Love” Opera

Two African Americans have important roles in the opera “Stranger Love,” which makes its world premiere at Walt Disney Concert Hall on Saturday, May 20, in downtown Los Angeles. The creative team also includes Director Lileana Blain-Cruz, who is making her LA Phil debut. She is one of three Black women to ever be nominated for a Tony Award in the “best direction of a play” category for her directorial debut at the Lincoln Center Theater with “The Skin of our Teeth” by Thornton Wilder. Originally from New York and Miami, she is currently resident director of the Lincoln Center