One of the most beloved characters in the Die Beautiful universe is getting a new life onstage as Lance Reblando and Chamyto are officially announced to share the role of Barbs in the much-awaited Die Beautiful: The Musical.
And if history is any indication, Barbs is a role with a story all its own.
In the original Die Beautiful, Cedrick Juan was initially cast as Barbs before the role eventually went to Christian Bables. Years later, when the spin-off Born Beautiful went into production, Christian was set to reprise the character, until the role ultimately went to Martin del Rosario.
Both actors would go on to win major awards for playing Barbs: Christian received honors from the Gawad Urian, Luna Awards, and Metro Manila Film Festival, while Martin earned an Asian Television Award. Cedrick, meanwhile, would later become a Best Actor winner for Gomburza.
Now, as Die Beautiful makes the leap from screen to stage, the Barbs legacy continues with two new performers taking on the iconic role.
Lance Reblando, who recently took on the lead role of Julia in PETA’s acclaimed revival of Walang Aray, brings her stage experience and formidable comic and dramatic presence to Barbs.
Sharing the role is Chamyto, currently seen as Bambi in GMA’s primetime series The Master Cutter, bringing his own distinctive humor, personality, and screen energy to the character.
Both powerful performers, Reblando and Chamyto were selected from a rigorous audition process. They offer audiences two different takes on Trisha Echeverria’s fiercely loyal best friend; a character whose humor and heart have become an essential part of the Die Beautiful story.
They join previously announced lead stars Maxie Andreison and Viñas Deluxe, who will alternate in the role of Trisha Echeverria.
Based on the acclaimed 2016 film, Die Beautiful: The Musical reimagines Trisha’s story for the stage as a celebration of friendship, chosen family, identity, resilience, and the courage to live beautifully and authentically. The musical is written by Jun Robles Lana and Elmer Gatchalian, with music by Vince Lim and direction by Tuxqs Rutaquio. The show is scheduled to open in June 2027 at the Proscenium Theater in Rockwell, Makati.