I’m Howard Ashman’s sister, Sarah.

This simple declaration has done wonders for my social life.  I’ve hobnobbed with the highest of hobs, I’ve waltzed down red carpets while onlookers scratch their heads trying to figure out who the hell I am, I’ve gotten phone calls returned from people who never return phone calls. But the best part of being Howard Ashman’s sister was being Howard’s sister. Howard, who died almost 20 years ago, was my mentor, my friend, my teacher and my family. On occasion, he was also my makeup artist and director.

Here is a picture of us circa 1956.  He is Peter Pan, evidently I am Peter Pannette.