‘Into the Woods’ has a Prince Charming

‘Into the Woods’ has a Prince Charming | Daily Tribune

Theatre Group Asia (TGA) announces New York-based Fil-Am theater actor, television host and film star Josh dela Cruz as Prince Charming/The Wolf in its production of Stephen Sondheim’s Into The Woods, coming this August at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater.

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, Dela Cruz showed undeniable prowess, eventually taking over the title role himself.

Other notable theatrical works include roles in Here Lies Love at the prestigious 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.

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.

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.

Dela Cruz has visited the Philippines on occasion, most recently as an environmentalist in support of the Masungi Georeserve in Rizal. However, Into The Woods is set to be his first theatrical foray in his native country.

On playing Cinderella’s Prince Charming/ The Wolf in this famed Sondheim musical, he shares, “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.”

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.