Seattle Lesbian and Gay Film Festival 2009

WAXIE MOON is nothing short of a revelation. Marc Kenison takes the neo-burlesque world by storm as “Miss(ter) Waxie Moon, a gender-bending queer boylesque lady performer sensation” in a hilarious, thoughtful, and provocative documentary of an artist’s unlikely journey. Kenison’s erotic artistry has been showcased at the Seattle Rep, Bumbershoot, On the Boards, Century Ballroom, and a variety of club venues. Classically trained in ballet, modern dance, and acting at Juilliard and the University of Washington, Waxie Moon’s distinctive use of the art of stripping entertains and thrills audiences, while challenging their notions of gender, sexuality, and art. The documentary showcases fascinating footage of fearless live performances plus interviews with a colorful assortment of international burlesque stars, theater artists, and Waxie’s cultish followers, including Seattle’s own Miss Indigo Blue and Sylvia O’Stayformore. Scratch your inner performer itch as you watch this master of self-expression and confident performance put it all out there. “It’s not easy to wear pasties and a mustache with style and grace, but Waxie Moon pulls it off.” — Seattle Gay News Preceding the film will be a burlesque performance homage to Waxie Moon. Copresented by Seattle Out and Proud

Got a rocket in your pocket? Tonight, tonight won't be just any night… We're gonna jazz it up and have us a ball during our ever-popular sing-along when we fete WEST SIDE STORY, one of cinema’s most celebrated and important musicals. The film was created by queer cinema dream team Leonard Bernstein, Arthur Laurents, Jerome Robbins, and Stephen Sondheim (who will make a rare live appearance at Seattle’s Benaroya Hall in late October). With just the right mix of theatricality, beauty, and realism, Romeo meets Juliet—or rather, Tony meets Maria—but their transgressive romance is taboo. Their rival neighborhood gangs, the Jets and the Sharks will never accept the lovers’ star-crossed union. Starring Natalie Wood, Richard Beymer, swarthy George Chakiris, and the electric Rita Moreno, the legendary 1961 film won ten Academy Awards, including Best Picture. With a newly restored print on the Cinerama’s giant screen, Bernstein’s unforgettable score will take your musical abilities to new heights. But don't worry—if you forget the words, they’ll be right there on the screen so that you can sing along feeling pretty, witty, and gay! Come dressed as a Shark, a Jet or dust off your poodle skirt and get ready for a musical rumble.