IdeaFirst Live is tapping two local drag icons, Maxie Andreison and Viñas DeLuxe, to lead onstage the musical adaptation of “Die Beautiful.”
The production is a planned stage version of the 2016 film by Jun Robles Lana, which follows Paolo Ballesteros’ Trisha, both in her life as a trans woman growing up and in death as friends try to give her the funeral she deserves.
Lana, co-founder and president of IdeaFirst, will see the musical adaptation of his movie take over the Makati’s Proscenium Theater in June next year.
More than 200 individuals auditioned for roles in the production, which will have Maxie and Viñas alternating the lead role of Trisha. Both performers are considered icons in the local drag community, highlighted by successful runs in “Drag Race Philippines,” coincidentally hosted by Ballesteros.
Viñas competed in the inaugural season and was the runner-up in last year’s “Slaysian Royale,” while Maxie won the third season a year after placing fifth in “Queen of the Universe” Season 2.
Maxie is also no stranger to the stage. She made her debut in a musical adaptation of “Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros” as a teenager from, which they coined their stage name.
“For the musical, the role will require an artist who can navigate comedy and drama, deliver powerful vocals, and embody Trisha’s journey with truth, charisma, and emotional depth,” said show director Tuxqs Rutaquio upon the cast announcement.
Lana added, “Bringing Trisha to life on stage requires a rare kind of magic.”