New York-based Filipino American theater actor, television host, and film star Josh dela Cruz will play Prince Charming/The Wolf in Theatre Group Asia’s (TGA) production of Stephen Sondheim’s “Into The Woods.”
The New York-based Filipino American artist will play Cinderella’s Prince Charming/The Wolf in this famed Sondheim musical.
PHOTO FROM THEATER GROUP ASIA
Into The Woods is set to be his first theatrical foray in his native country.
“It has always been a dream of mine to perform a musical in the Philippines. Getting the opportunity to perform with Filipino legends is icing on the cake. I can’t wait to share this story with my countrymen,” dela Cruz said in a statement.
On playing Cinderella’s Prince Charming/The Wolf in this famed Sondheim musical, he shared, “I love the way Into the Woods explores the ‘loss of innocence’ and presents the consequences of how we deal with that change. We can either dwell on it or choose to be present, move forward, and live our lives to the fullest. It’s a simple idea, but something I try to remind myself of every day.”
Dela Cruz is a powerhouse triple threat who burst into the international theater scene in the Broadway adaptation of the Disney global hit “Aladdin.” Initially an understudy and ensemble member, he showed undeniable prowess, eventually taking over the title role himself.
Other notable theatrical works include roles in “Here Lies Love” at the Public Theater under the direction of Tony Award-winning director Alex Timbers; “The King and I” opposite acclaimed actor and fellow Filipino Lou Diamond Phillips; and “Merrily We Roll Along at the New York City Encores!” under the direction of Into the Wood’s book author and the musical’s original director James Lapine himself.
Additionally, he has helped develop shows such as the Tony Award-winning musical “Maybe Happy Ending.”
In 2021, dela Cruz was named as one of People Magazine’s Sexiest Newcomers. The New York Times has described him as “Spectacular”, while Forbes has written about dela Cruz as the one “…changing the face of children’s television.”
Most recognizable for playing a fictional version of himself in Nickleodeon’s Emmy Award-winning show “Blue’s Clues & You!” dela Cruz is a bona fide cult star widely known among young families worldwide, especially with the little ones glued to the iconic show. Hosting the program since 2019, dela Cruz gets to celebrate his Filipino-American heritage and culture in the show, introducing his fictional lola and familiarizing viewers with Filipino cuisine favorites like bibingka.
In 2022, dela Cruz also starred in the feature film Blue’s Big City Adventure, where Josh and Blue travel to New York to audition, hoping to star in a major Broadway musical. Dela Cruz has also played roles in shows like “Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent,” CBS’s “Bull,” ABC’s “Time After Time,” and Netflix’s second season of the comedy-action show “Fubar” starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Although born in the United Arab Emirates, dela Cruz is descended from Bicolano and Ilocano parents. His family moved to the US, where dela Cruz harnessed his love for music and the performing arts, encouraged by a community of Fil-Am artists who inspired him to celebrate his Filipino identity. His other passions include photography, fitness and health – he’s a vegan and Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner, and a strong voice advocating for diversity and inclusion.
Behind this production of Into The Woods is Tony Award-winning visionary Clint Ramos, who serves as overall artistic and creative director alongside co-producers John and Joanna Echauz, and TGA Executive Director Chris Mohnani. The show is directed by Chari Arespacochaga.
For more information about Into The Woods, visit www.theatregroupasia.com, or follow Facebook and Instagram @theatregroupasia.
