Photo Flash: Meet the Cast of Book-It Rep's Stage Adaptation of HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE in Seattle

Book-It Repertory Theatre brings magic, adventure, and inspiration this holiday season with Howl's Moving Castle, a new musical based on an original book by Diana Wynne Jones. Founding Co-Artistic Director Myra Platt has adapted and will direct the musical stage adaptation of the award-winning fantasy novel that features music and lyrics by local performer Justin Huertas. BroadwayWorld has a sneak peek at the company below!

When Sophie unwittingly attracts the ire of the Witch of the Waste, she finds herself turned into an old woman. To break the enchantment, she must strike a bargain with a fire demon and seek the help of the frightening sorcerer Howl. The award-winning 1986 novel inspires each of us to trust in our own powers of transformation.

The story is a phenomenon that has thrilled audiences around the world and Book-It is delighted to bring the book to life on stage. The 2004 Oscar-nominated Hayao Miyazaki film Howl's Moving Castle from Studio Ghibli is also based on Jones' novel.

"Our musical adaptation of Howl's Moving Castle is a combination of beloved published work and exciting, new material. We need more magic in the world and being a part of the team that gets to transform this magical piece for new audiences is a dream," says Porkalob, who will star as Sophie Hatter.

An award-winning solo performer, director, and theatre theorist/activist and currently serving as Intiman Theatre's 2017 co-curator, Porkalob appeared in Book-It's Emma and is the writer/performer of DRAGON LADY.

A Seattle-based actor, musician, playwright, and songwriter, Huertas recently appeared in Book-It's Welcome to Braggsville. His original musical Lizard Boy premiered at Seattle Repertory Theatre and had its second production at San Diego's Diversionary Theatre. "There's nothing more inspiring to me than stories of self-discovery and coming-of-age told through the lens of magic. It's even more special and important to me that we'll be telling this story through the eyes of a woman of color. Sara Porkalob is one of the most important voices in Seattle theatre, and I couldn't be happier that she'll be the face and voice of Sophie Hatter," says Huertas. Huertas says the contemporary pop score is inspired by indie rock music and Sondheim and both influences will be woven throughout the score.

The cast includes Randall Scott Carpenter as Michael/Ensemble, John Coons as Prince Justin/Ensemble, Michael Feldman* as Howl, Rachel Guyer-Mafune as Martha Hatter/Ensemble, Kate Jaeger* as Witch of the Waste/Mrs. Fairfax, Katherine Jett as Lily Angorian/Ensemble, Lamar Legend as Calcifer/Ensemble, Sarah Russell as Lettie Hatter/Ensemble, Opal Peachey as Mrs. Fanny Hatter/Ensemble, Sara Porkalob* as Sophie Hatter, and Tyler Rogers as Wizard Suliman/Ensemble. *Member of Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States

Adam Quillian is the music director and local group Table Flip will choreograph. The design team is led by Scenic Designer Julia Hayes Welch with lighting design by Andrew D. Smith, costume design by Margaret Toomey, and sound design by Erin Bednarz.

Howl's Moving Castle plays now through December 30, 2017 at The Center Theatre at the Armory (305 Harrison Street, Seattle, WA 98109). Purchase tickets at book-it.org or by calling the box office at 206.216.0833.

Photo Credit: John Ulman

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