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Marissa Rogers and Greg Teeter: Two Duck Soup Cinema fans integrate the series into their February wedding

Shari Gasper

A man in a blue suit and a woman in a beige and black dress holding hands and smiling for a photo. The woman is holding a bouquet of white roses.
Published March 7, 2024

Madison residents Marissa Rogers and Greg Teeter were united in matrimony on Saturday, Feb. 17, surrounded by people they love in a place they love, Overture Center’s historic Capitol Theater. Fans of Duck Soup Cinema, which reclaims the silent film heritage of the theater, the couple incorporated 1920s-era aspects into their big day.

“I’ve been to a lot of shows at Overture over the years, and when I saw an email about Duck Soup Cinema, I asked Greg if he wanted to go with me,” said Marissa.

That was their first date on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017, viewing “Safety Last!” The 1923 American silent romantic-comedy film stars Harold Lloyd, and organist Jelani Eddington played the Grand Barton Organ, mirroring the actors’ emotions, just as it was done in 1928.

Marissa, who has a keen appreciation for vintage items and embraces an antique way of living, was immediately captivated by the experience. She relished the live organ accompaniment, and appreciated how the film transcended language barriers, making it accessible to audiences regardless of their spoken language.

Marissa and Roger's Wedding Day

Photography by Studio 501 Photography
  • A man in a blue suit and a woman in a black dress embracing and smiling towards eachother.

  • Grayscale photo of a wedding ceremony in Capitol Theater lobby. There is a string quartet.

  • Grayscale image of a couple in wedding outfits kissing and each holding onto a bouquet of white roses.

  • A man in a blue suit and a woman in a black dress seated on a velvet bench kissing eachother.

  • Grayscale photo of a man and a woman on their wedding day walking up stone steps outside the Wisconsin state capitol building.

  • Capitol Theater stage set up for a wedding with circular tables and chandeliers.

  • Closeup of a woman' face. She has light complexion, is closing her eyes and a hand is applying lipstick to her lips.

  • A man in a blue suit and a woman in a beige and black dress holding hands and smiling for a photo. The woman is holding a bouquet of white roses.

  • A man in a blue suit and a woman in a black dress sitting in red Capitol Theater seats and looking at eachother.

  • Grayscale photo of several dozen people seated at circular tables on Capitol Theater stage.

  • A woman with light complexion in a beige and black wedding dress holding a bouquet of white roses.

  • A man in a blue suit and a woman in a black dress sitting facing away from the viewer. They are on Capitol Theater stage and gazing at the rest of a wedding party.

  • A man in a blue suit and a woman in a beige and black dress with light complexion dancing together.

  • A man with medium complexion, short dark hair and glasses playing piano and singing for a dancing wedding party.

  • close up view of a red and gold organ console. This is the Grand Barton Organ's console.

  • A man in a blue suit and a woman in a beige and black dress with light complexion cutting a wedding cake.

Since then, Duck Soup Cinema has become a standing date night for Marissa and Greg. They block the dates on their calendars after each season announcement, and then dress up and go out for dinner before each show.

“We like going to silent films because it’s a unique way to watch a movie,” said Greg. “It’s interesting to see how far movie making has come. These older films are not multi-million-dollar productions, but instead created with a much lower budget. Following a storyline by how actors emote things, instead of through dialogue, engages you in a different way.”

Marissa agrees, noting, “Duck Soup Cinema is an important part of our relationship, a very special night out for just the two of us.”

And the couple admires organist Jelanie Eddington, describing him as “truly the heart and soul of Duck Soup Cinema.”

“Safety Last!” is their favorite silent film since they watched it together on their first date, and both are big Harold Lloyd fans.

“He makes us laugh,” said Greg. “His comedy translates well over time. It’s still funny.”

Marissa and Greg enjoy Duck Soup Cinema in February, 2024

  • A man and a woman stand next to an older balloon artist in a red vest. The couple is holding a heartshaped balloon.

  • An organist at a console and the large capitol theater curtain.

  • A seated crowd in Capitol Theater.

  • A saxophone sextet performing on a dark stage.

  • A man in a suit jacket with dark hair and light complexion plays a golden organ console.

  • A man and a woman pose for a picture in Capitol Theater Lobby. He is wearing a pink dress shirt with a grey vest and fedora. She is wearing a gold and black dress.

When the duo got engaged, Capitol Theater was the first place they considered for their wedding venue. 

“Having the theater as part of our wedding—our next chapter—is special,” said Marissa. “I couldn’t imagine getting married anywhere else.”

Once they secured their venue and date, Marissa and Greg began integrating elements into their wedding to reflect their love for Duck Soup Cinema. Their clothing reflected an art deco style, and their table centerpieces featured films they’ve seen in the Duck Soup Cinema series. Rather than numbered tables, guests were seated at “Grandma’s Boy,” “Phantom of the Opera,” “The Thief of Bagdad,” “The Kid Brother,” “The Freshman,” “Why Worry” and “Safety Last!” 

The intimate wedding featured Camerata String Quartet playing movie music during the ceremony cocktail hour, followed by a lively session of Piano Fondue dueling pianos providing dinner and reception entertainment.

“Our wedding was non-traditional in many ways, but it incorporated the things most important to us, reflecting our personal styles and preferences,” said Marissa. “We just wanted our guests to show up and have fun.”

Marissa and Greg enjoyed working with Overture’s event team to plan their wedding.

“Overture’s team was really helpful and prompt in answering our questions,” said Marissa. “Everything came together nicely.”

While the wedding is over, the marriage has just begun, and it’s sure to be filled with much laughter and many good times ahead with Duck Soup Cinema.

“I talk up this series to anyone who will listen. I want to drum up business to keep the series going for many more years,” said Greg. “For people who have never attended, you’ve got to experience it!”

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