How Fil-Am star Josh Dela Cruz is preparing for his role as Prince Charming/The Wolf in 'Into The Woods'
Theatre Group Asia’s Into the Woods has started its rehearsals in earnest with the arrival of Josh Dela Cruz, playing Cinderella’s Prince and The Wolf, generating a great deal of excitement for the Stephen Sondheim musical that is set to open on Aug. 7 at Samsung Performing Arts Theater.
Josh, after all, landed the coveted role of host in the groundbreaking show, Blue’s Clues and You, after besting 3,000 hopefuls that included Hollywood star John Cena—a milestone for Filipino Americans. Forbes lauded his “changing the face of children’s television” while a related movie, Blue’s Big City Adventure earned him a New York Times review that called him “spectacular, bringing unbridled charisma” and “the real highlight of the film.”
On Broadway, he was a powerhouse triple threat, playing Aladdin in the Disney musical hit and performing in The King and I and Here Lies Love. He was actually directed by Into the Woods book author and original director James Lapine in Merrily We Roll Along. He has helped develop shows such as the Tony Award-winning Maybe Happy Ending and has conducted numerous workshops under the direction of legendary theater stalwarts. PEOPLE Magazine named him one of the sexiest newcomers in 2021, a title bolstered by thirsty tweets calling attention to his “big biceps” and even requesting for “photos of his feet.”
Josh was born in Dubai to Bicolano and Ilocano parents who immigrated to the US and settled in New Jersey where he graduated from Montclair State University with a BFA in Musical Theater and studied film and television with Bob Krakower.
Josh has occasionally visited the Philippines, once as an environmentalist in support of the Masungi Georeserve. Into the Woods will be his first appearance in Philippine theater, in a production helmed by Tony Award-winning visionary Clint Ramos as overall artistic and creative director alongside co-producers John and Joanna Echauz, TGA executive director Chris Mohnani and director Chari Arespacochaga. Flying straight to Manila after traveling all over Africa, Josh took time out to answer some questions, exclusive to Philippine STAR Lifestyle:
THE PHILIPPINE STAR: What attracted you to Into the Woods and the role of the Prince/the Wolf?
JOSH DELA CRUZ: I’ve always loved these characters. What excites me most is the opportunity to explore the danger and absurdity of characters who are completely self-serving. Finding common ground with someone I’d probably avoid in real life is a great challenge.
How are you preparing for it?
Beyond the vocal and physical preparation the roles demand, I approach every new character as an exercise in empathy. I need to make their selfishness make sense to me—I have to find a way to love them the way they love themselves. It’s like getting to know a stranger you’re stuck with: You figure out what drives them, what they want, and what makes them lovable. Once I find that connection, the character and I can begin telling the story together.
What is your favorite Sondheim musical?
My all-time favorite is West Side Story. But when it comes to work written exclusively by Sondheim, Sunday in the Park with George is at the top for me. One of my favorite lyrics of all time is from Company: “Vary my days…” I don’t think anyone expresses love and longing more beautifully or succinctly than Sondheim.
What were your favorite roles? Which one are you most proud of?
Hosting Blue’s Clues & You has been one of the most rewarding. I learned so much—not just about the business, but about myself. Being in a space with people who cared deeply about making meaningful content for kids and families was incredibly inspiring. In fact, I’m currently developing a new show with the supervising producer of Blue’s Clues, and I can’t wait to share it. I’ve always admired LeVar Burton for the way he’s moved across genres and audiences. Into the Woods feels like the perfect bridge between the two worlds—it uses familiar children’s stories to explore deeper, grown-up truths.
What was your most challenging?
Playing Aladdin on Broadway was one of the most demanding roles I’ve ever taken on. The show is both physically and vocally intense—and on top of that, I had to wear a tiny vest every night, so I basically lived at the gym! It pushed me to stay in top shape, not just to meet the role’s requirements, but to sustain it eight times a week.
How do you stay in character in a long run like Aladdin?
I learned early in the run that the key to staying in character is staying present—especially with your cast mates. Being fully present allows you to “play” with the text, with your scene partners, and keep the experience fresh for both the audience and I. I always remind myself: It’s called a play for a reason.
How do you stay creative and innovative at work?
For me, creativity thrives in the moment. And honestly, the real magic happens when you’re surrounded by a cast that loves to play. The Into the Woods team is just that—they’re endlessly inspiring and always game to explore. The rehearsal room is filled with laughter, which, to me, is always a great sign we’re onto something special.
Who do you look up to in theater?
One of my favorite actors I’ve ever shared a stage with is Orville Mendoza. Onstage, he’s a total chameleon. Offstage, he’s the kind of kuya everyone wishes they had—kind, grounded, and always looking out for others. And my favorite director? Alex Timbers. He has an incredible grasp on tone and style, and he knows how to lead with both specificity and a sense of play—without any ego.
What is a project that is close to your heart?
Maybe Happy Ending is incredibly special to me. I was part of its early development through readings and concerts, and I believe it’s one of the most meaningful shows out there. It’s a breath of fresh air in an industry often trying to formulate the next “blockbuster.”
What is your dream role/project?
Playing “Oliver” in Maybe Happy Ending would be an absolute dream. I first read the script just after my wife and I got married, and I wept. I later brought her to a 29-hour reading of the show, and afterward—through tears—she told me it was the best thing she’d ever seen. One of my favorite lyrics in all of theater comes from that show: “When you’re in love, you’re only half. When one is what you were. You’re part instead of whole.” To revisit that role would be an incredible gift.
What is the most memorable moment of your career?
My first big job in New York was Merrily We Roll Along at New York City Center Encores!, and it was one of the most intimidating experiences of my life. I found myself in a room full of incredibly seasoned Broadway actors—plus James Lapine, Stephen Sondheim, and Jonathan Tunick. The imposter syndrome was real, and overwhelming, but it was all in my head. With encouragement from my wife and my college mentor, I realized that I belonged there—now, I just need to be present and grounded. Once I embraced that, I rediscovered the joy of “play.”
As a Filipino/Asian, what is it that you bring to roles that you play?
My parents raised me and my sisters as Filipinos. That experience shaped not only who I am, but how I see the world and connect to characters. After college, all I wanted was to be “ethnically ambiguous,” because I believed blending in was the only way to make it. But that mindset wasn’t honest. Once I started embracing who I am—and what I look like—doors started to open. To bring something truly original to the table, you can’t mute your identity. You have to celebrate it.
What is the moment when you felt you made a significant impact?
When Blue’s Clues & You premiered, I started getting texts from friends with kids saying, “My kid pointed at the screen and said, ‘He looks like me!’” I remember growing up and never seeing anyone on screen who looked like me or reflected my own experience. Hearing that from parents filled me with overwhelming gratitude. It reminded me of how powerful representation is—and how important it is for every child to feel seen and safe to be exactly who they are.
What is the most important lesson you learned in life?
One of the most important lessons I’ve ever learned came right after college, when I had the opportunity to play opposite Lou Diamond Phillips in The King and I. Before our first show, he pulled me aside and said, “You belong here.” I didn’t realize how much I needed to hear that. His words reminded me that sometimes the biggest hurdle is believing you’re worthy of the space you’re in.
What advice would you give aspiring Filipinos who want to make it to Broadway/Hollywood?
Keep fighting for your dream. Keep sharpening your craft. If one country decides to shut its door, be ready to walk through the next one that opens. Thankfully, organizations like Theatre Group Asia are creating professional and educational opportunities specifically for Filipinos. Now, more than ever, we need to strengthen our communities—in the words of Stephen Sondheim, “No one is alone.” Let’s make sure everyone feels that they always have a place.
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For more information about Into The Woods, visit www.theatregroupasia.com, or follow Facebook and Instagram.
