Actors open up on brutal auditions, big expectations, and honoring Christian Bables’ legacy in 2027 stage adaptation.
While the theater community is still buzzing from the official announcement that Lance Reblando and Chamyto will alternate as Barbs Cordero in “Die Beautiful: The Musical,” the real story is the immense pressure of stepping into those iconic heels.
Taking over a character that originally earned Christian Bables critical acclaim—and a slew of Best Supporting Actor awards—is no small feat. Now that the purple fan has been passed on, both actors are opening up about the daunting reality of their new gig and how they are preparing to honor the legacy.
Surviving a cutthroat audition
Before the glitz of the cast reveal, there was the audition room—a space both Reblando and Chamyto candidly admit was deeply nerve-wracking. The selection process was intensely competitive, pulling in a massive turnout of seasoned theater veterans alongside hungry newcomers.
The pressure was palpable. Adapting a beloved cinematic hit for the stage comes with monumental expectations, and both actors felt the weight of getting it exactly right. Despite the high stakes and the intimidating environment, both pushed through their anxieties, ultimately proving to the creative team that they have the distinct humor, heart, and undeniable charisma required to bring Trisha’s fiercely loyal best friend back to life.
Manifestation at work
For Reblando, manifesting your dream roles in life does magic—and her breakout casting in the musical is proof. Since casting her name in the ballot of auditionees, she’s taken every avenue to attract what appears to be a dream role for the seasoned theater actress.
“Simula pa lang talaga ay tinantusan ko na itong ‘Die Beautiful’ noong nag-announce pa lang yung @/theideafirstcompany ng auditions. Hindi ko pinilit na mangyari. Itinaga ko lang sa utak ko na gusto kong maging part ng prod na to,” Reblando wrote in an Instagram post.
From projecting her wish live during a press conference to listing “Barbs” as part of her long list of career characters prior to being chosen, Reblando couldn’t help but call herself Barbs when she wakes up.
“Sobrang nakaka-amaze. Hindi mo talaga alam ang magiging takbo ng mga bagay. Pero gumagana talaga ang [pag-ma-manifest],” she added.
In the end, Reblando could only promise greatness, not just for herself as an actress, but for every person watching another trans actress as a trans character.
A ‘fresh, distinctive energy’
Actor-singer Chamyto, sharing the demanding role, is tackling the challenge by leaning heavily into his own unique theatrical instincts. Having navigated the exact same fiercely competitive audition process, Chamyto acknowledges the monumental expectations attached to the beloved character.
“Actually, announcement palang, poster palang, may feeling na na ‘Mag-o-audition ba ‘ko? Pero kaya ko ba ‘to? Ilalaban ko ba?’ So, nilaban naman namin,” Chamyto expressed during his couch talk with Bables.
Rather than letting the pressure hold him back, he is channeling that nervous energy straight into his performance. He is set to infuse the fiercely loyal confidante with his own distinctive humor, vibrant personality, and stage presence. “Sobrang kaba pero worth it naman,” he added.
Beyond honoring the essence of the Barbs we all know and love, Chamyto keeps it simple—“Show up and make it happen.” Just like his character, who never forgets to keep her best friend Trisha in check and in charm, ‘til death they don’t part.
Barbs as the heart
When Christian Bables officially passed the torch, his advice to his successors was simple but profound: love Barbs unconditionally and protect her, because she is the very heart of the story.
Based on the candid humility, rigorous preparation, and pure respect both Reblando and Chamyto are pouring into the role, it’s clear that Trisha’s best friend is in fiercely capable hands.
Produced by IDEAfirst Live!, “Die Beautiful: The Musical” opens in June 2027 at the Proscenium Theater in Rockwell, Makati, featuring alternating lead pairs: Viñas Deluxe with Reblando, and Maxie Andreison with Chamyto, with Viñas and Maxie both playing Trisha.
READ:
Lance Reblando lands Barbs’ role in ‘Die Beautiful’ musical
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July 28, 2026
Chamyto steps into Christian Bables role in ‘Taksyapo!’ rerun
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July 30, 2026
Viñas Deluxe lands role of Trisha in ‘Die Beautiful’ musical after intense auditions
Jude Cartalaba
June 25, 2026
