One of the themes in Howl’s Moving Castle explores self-acceptance. When Sophie is turned into an old woman by the Witch of the Waste, she must come to terms with her new appearance and the different way people treat her. She even finds a bit of freedom in being older.
“It was odd. As a girl, Sophie would have shriveled with embarrassment at the way she was behaving. As an old woman, she did not mind what she did or said. She found that a great relief.” – Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
Sometimes it feels like the older we get the less we know, but there are always things we wished we would have known sooner. We asked the charming cast and production team of our musical stage adaptation of Howl’s Moving Castle what advice they would give their younger selves.
“Don’t let anyone tell you who you are and what you are meant for. You’re the only you in this world, and there is power in that.”
Justin Huertas (Composer/Lyricist)
“SAVE SAVE SAVE and start reading feminist theory earlier.”
Sara Porkalob (Sophie Hatter)
“Keep believing. Don’t ever doubt yourself. No matter what.”
Lamar Legend (Calcifer/Ensemble)
“Embrace: the glitter, the makeup, the flamboyance, the fear, the heartbreak, the love, the warmth, the confidence. You are always stronger than you want to let yourself believe. Embrace: the YOU.”
Adam Quillian (Music Director)
“Don’t be scared of the city, take dance lessons, and come out early. Don’t wait so much, and don’t feel the need to ask permission to explore and experiment!”
John Coons (Scarecrow/Ensemble)
“Don’t be afraid to be yourself. You are not like anyone else, and that is a powerful, amazing thing. And save all of your Pokémon cards!”
Randall Scott Carpenter (Michael/Ensemble)
“I would tell my younger self that you are stronger than you think you are, and though you are scared, if you keep working hard and taking risks, you will get to where you want to go. What you thought was impossible, is possible. Also, stop slouching.”
Sarah Russell (Lettie Hatter/Ensemble)
“You will be an actress! It is what you always dreamed! And practice your piano lessons.”
Opal Peachey (Mrs. Fanny Hatter/Ensemble)
“Risk more and stop worrying about being ‘The Best.'”
Tyler Rogers (Percival/Ensemble)
“Be patient and stop comparing your success to other people’s. Your journey is your own and it will take you where you need to go. Take time to appreciate the view on the way!”
Kate Jaeger (Witch of the Waste/Mrs. Fairfax)
“Love who you are. You are enough and you are beautiful just as you are right now.”
Katherine Jett (Lily Angorian/Ensemble)
“Watch out for the heavy swinging door in the basement of school, don’t argue with Mother Mary Bosco, and start appreciating your faults.”
Ryan Higgins (Table Flip)
“Fake it til you make it.”
Sam Harrison (Wigs and Crafts Designer)
“Be aware that even the best and most well-intentioned teachers may not be able to separate their personal baggage from your instruction.”
Olivia D. Hamilton (Guitar/Bass)
“Ask yourself often, ‘Are they worthy of my company?'”
Katya Davida (Dialect Coach)
“Trust yourself. You’ve got this.”
Julia Hayes Welch (Scenic Designer)
