Welcome to City Superheroes, a regular column that highlights the powerful figures walking among us — with the help of a (usually local) illustrator. This week’s pairing: boylesque performer Waxie Moon and visual artist Mandy Berglund.
Moniker: Waxie Moon
Given Name: Marc Kenison
Other Aliases: Marcia, Wacky Goon
Superpowers: Flight, finger light beams
First Appearance: World premier at Miss Indigo Blue’s Academy of Burlesque 101 recital, Fall 2006 (pre-mustache).
Local Haunts: The Century Ballroom, The Tin Table, 8 oz. Burger & Co., The Triple Door, Seattle Repertory Theater
Archenemies: Fear of self-expression, apologetic behavior, being in the closet, glitterphobes
Even Heroes Have Heroes: Miss Indigo Blue, anyone who takes on theatrical producing, Lily Verlaine, Paula Now (formerly Paula the Swedish Housewife), BenDeLaCreme, Lou Henry Hoover, Kitten LaRue, Dan Savage, the Legends of Burlesque
Origin Story: Born in Costa Mesa, California, Waxie’s family moved around the country often when he was a child. He began to develop his super powers, though, at Interlochen Center for the Arts in Northern Michigan, where he studied dance. The flow and energy of physical expression — turning on his feet, leaping through a room — opened Waxie’s mind and body and, overnight, he sprouted wings.
Later, Waxie moved to New York City to study dance and performance at Juilliard. After dancing (and sometimes secretly flying) professionally for 10 years, Waxie moved to Seattle in 2001 to study acting at the University of Washington. It was here that his second power — finger light beams — emerged. Waxie can create unceasing light from his fingertips, illuminating any darkness.
He regularly uses these powers, and more, when performing today. “The art of burlesque really appealed to me because it incorporated all of my skills: movement, dance, acting, humor and my dirty sensibility,” says Waxie. For more evidence of his super powers, check out the Waxie Moon mural by Anna-Lisa Notter, commissioned by the Pink Door restaurant, in the Pike Place market.
His Philosophy: “If you have the desire to do it, do it. You will only regret not doing it. You will never regret trying. Even if it doesn’t unfold in the way you think it will, you won’t regret the decision to go for it. But you will regret holding back.”
What’s Next: The Seattle Boylesque Festival performance at the Triple Door June 12th — and various Seattle Pride events June 28th.
About the Illustrator: Mandy Berglund is a visual artist based in Tacoma, WA. She received a BFA in oil painting and drawing from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. While she mostly works on commissioned portraits and landscapes for family and friends, she also enjoys quilt making and woodworking.
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