Book-it Repertory Theatre's production of Howl's Moving Castle is a multilayered tapestry of exploration and discovery. Based on Myra Platt's adaptation of the book by Diana Wynn Jones, it delves into the lives of Sophie Hatter (Sara Porkalob) and her family and friends as they find their true selves.
Sophie, the eldest daughter of Fanny Hatter (Opal Peachey), begins by describing life in the town of Market Chipping in the land of Ingary. She also points out that her being the oldest has predisposed her to failure as she pursues her dreams. Her younger sister Lettie (Sarah Russell) and youngest sister Martha (Rachel Guyer-Mafune) join her singing about life. Fanny then appears and informs them they're going to need to leave school because she can't afford to pay for it any longer.
Lettie is to go to Cesari's bakery to become an apprentice - and she'll also be able to find a good husband there. Clearly un-enthused about baking, Lettie thanks her mother. Martha is being sent to Mrs. Fairfax (Kate Jaeger) to learn about magic. Also clearly disappointed, she thanks her mother as well. This leaves Sophie, who is assigned to the hat shop. Of all the sisters, she is the only one who is clearly resigned to her fate - being the oldest and feeling doomed to failure.
Fanny finds that Sophie is very skilled with making hats, so she puts Sophie in a corner making the hats while she herself sells them. Sophie begins to talk to the hats since she's so busy she doesn't have time to talk to anyone else. Surprisingly, they start to sell well. Fanny promises Sophie that she can have a day off on May Day, since she needs her to make hats as fast as possible.
Sophie then leaves the hat shop before anyone sees her to visit her sister at Mrs. Fairfax's place. On her way there, she finds Howl's moving castle, where she's let in by his fire demon, Calcifer (Lamar Legend). Howl's assistant, Michael (Randall Scott Carpenter), helps make her at home until the morning when Howl (Michael Feldman) arrives.
Sophie's ensuing adventures with Howl, Michael, Calcifer and other people and creatures they meet on the way change her view of herself and her views of the people she meets.
Porkalob's portrayal of Sophie is true to the book. Her fantastic voice adds depth and impact to the songs, as well as to Sophie. The musical score and lyrics by Justin Huertas accurately traces her development from an insecure older sister at the beginning of the play to a confident individual by the end. The song with 'I have a voice' is very relevant to this day and age where women using their voice is more important than ever.
Some of the character juxtapositions by Myra Platt were wonderfully effective. When 'Lettie' reveals that she and Martha transformed into each other and traded places, the song sung by both Lettie and Martha, and Martha's shadowing of 'Lettie' in her motions make this idea amazingly clear. The use of men dressed as women visiting the hat shop is a very innovative take on the book and enhances the diversity of the play.
Howl's Moving Castle is timely and much needed given the current social state of affairs in the United States. A diverse multi-ethnic cast, and the occasional placement of male actors in female roles, reinforces the message that together everyone finds wonderful solutions to life's puzzles - regardless of race, gender, age or sexual identity. The message portrayed in the vocals, most notably '... a world where any girl can achieve what she's meant to be ...' gives a much-needed message of hope and encouragement to women everywhere.
Book-It Repertory Theatre's production of Howl's Moving Castle will be at the Center Theatre at the Seattle Center Armory through December 30. For tickets and more information contact the Book-It Box Office at 206-216-0833 or visit them online at www.book-it.org.
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