The beloved and groundbreaking story of Die Beautiful is set to take center stage with two of the country’s most celebrated drag artists leading its highly anticipated musical adaptation. Drag Race Philippines Season 3 winner Maxie Andreison and Drag Race Philippines Season 1 finalist and Slaysian Royale runner-up Viñas DeLuxe will alternate in the iconic role of Trisha Echevarria in Die Beautiful: The Musical.
The role of Trisha Echevarria was immortalized by Paolo Ballesteros in the acclaimed 2016 film Die Beautiful, earning him Best Actor honors at both the 29th Tokyo International Film Festival and the 42nd Metro Manila Film Festival. The character has since become one of the most beloved and enduring figures in contemporary Philippine cinema.
Explaining the casting decision, Die Beautiful: The Musical director Tuxqs Rutaquio said, “For the musical, the role requires an artist who can seamlessly navigate comedy and drama, deliver powerful vocals, and embody Trisha’s journey with truth, charisma, and emotional depth. We are thrilled to have Maxie and Viñas alternately portray Trisha Echevarria. The role has become iconic, celebrated for her humor, heart, vulnerability, and unapologetic authenticity.”
Acclaimed filmmaker Jun Robles Lana, who is personally adapting his original masterpiece for the musical stage, expressed his excitement about the production’s leading stars.
“Bringing Trisha to life on stage requires a rare kind of magic, and Maxie and Viñas have that,” Lana said. “Watching them bring their own flavor, humor, and fierce heart to a character so personal to me is thrilling. I can’t wait for audiences to see how they will elevate Trisha’s story into something fresh, exciting, and wonderfully familiar.”
Produced by IdeaFirst Live, Die Beautiful: The Musical reimagines the award-winning film as a vibrant theatrical experience, transforming its unforgettable story of beauty, identity, friendship, and chosen family into a spectacular live production. The adaptation promises to honor the spirit of the original while embracing the unique possibilities of musical theater through music, spectacle, humor, and heart.
“As accomplished drag performers and champions in their own right, Maxie and Viñas bring not only exceptional talent and stage presence, but also a profound understanding of the resilience, humanity, and spirit that make Trisha such a beloved character,” Rutaquio added. “Their distinct interpretations will offer audiences two equally compelling and unforgettable portrayals of this extraordinary role.”
Die Beautiful: The Musical is scheduled to open in June 2027 at the Proscenium Theater in Rockwell, Makati. Preparations are already underway a full year ahead of its premiere. Additional details regarding the full cast, creative team, performance schedule, and ticketing information will be announced in the coming months.
