Die Beautiful: The Musical has announced that Lance Reblando and Chamyto will alternate in the role of Barbs, Trisha Echeverria's loyal best friend.

While Die Beautiful has always centered on Trisha's journey, Barbs has become one of the story's defining characters. Equal parts comic relief and emotional anchor, Barbs has remained a fan favorite of Jun Robles Lana's acclaimed 2016 film.

Before production began on the original film, Cedrick Juan was initially cast as Barbs before the role eventually went to Christian Bables. Bables' performance would go on to earn major acting honors, including awards from the Gawad Urian, Luna Awards, and the Metro Manila Film Festival.

When Born Beautiful, the film's spin-off, entered production, Christian Bables was originally set to reprise the role. The character was ultimately portrayed by Martin del Rosario, whose performance later earned an Asian Television Award. Cedrick Juan, meanwhile, would eventually become a Best Actor winner for Gomburza.

Reblando recently led PETA's acclaimed revival of Walang Aray in the title role of Julia. Chamyto, meanwhile, is currently seen as Bambi in GMA's primetime series The Master Cutter.

According to the production, both actors emerged from an extensive audition process and will offer audiences two different interpretations of Barbs.

They join previously announced stars Maxie Andreison and Viñas Deluxe, who will alternate as Trisha Echeverria.

Based on the award-winning 2016 film, Die Beautiful: The Musical reimagines Trisha's story for the stage, exploring themes of friendship, chosen family, identity, resilience, and authenticity. The musical produced by Idea First Live, written by Jun Robles Lana and Elmer Gatchalian, with music by Vince Lim and direction by Tuxqs Rutaquio.

Die Beautiful: The Musical is scheduled to open in June 2027 at the Proscenium Theater, Rockwell, Makati.

Posters courtesy of Idea First Live,