Audiences will step back into the golden age of cinema on Friday,
May 29 at 7:00 PM, as acclaimed theater organist Brett Valliant presents a special live
performance at the RIHS Performing Arts Center.

The evening will include a concert set “ From Bach to Bacharach” as well as an excerpt from the
1923 silent film classic “Safety Last”. Valliant will be performing on the historic Bartlow 1928
Wurlitzer theater organ housed at the RIHS Performing Arts Center.
Celebrating the Legacy of Silent Film and the Wurlitzer Organ
Before the advent of synchronized sound, motion pictures relied on live musical
accompaniment to bring stories to life—and no instrument was more iconic than the
Wurlitzer theater organ. Often called the “Mighty Wurlitzer,” these instruments were
engineering marvels of the early 20th century, designed to replicate the sound of an
entire orchestra. From dramatic swells to comedic accents, the Wurlitzer became an
essential storytelling partner in movie palaces across America.
Installed in theaters during the 1910s through the 1930s, Wurlitzer organs transformed
film going into a fully immersive experience. Today, surviving instruments like the RIHS
Performing Arts Center’s 1928 Wurlitzer offer a rare and authentic connection to this
foundational era of cinema.
Featured Film: Safety Last! (1923)

The evening’s featured presentation, “Safety Last” stars
Harold Lloyd and remains one of the most celebrated
comedies of the silent era. Released in 1923, the film follows
an ambitious young man navigating big-city life in pursuit of
success—and love. Its most famous sequence, featuring
Lloyd dangling precariously from a skyscraper clock, has
become one of the most enduring images in film history.
Blending physical comedy with genuine suspense and
heartfelt storytelling, “Safety Last” showcases the brilliance of
visual humor and the ingenuity that defined silent filmmaking.

Live Performance by Brett Valliant

The performance will be brought vividly
to life by Brett Valliant, an
accomplished theater organist known
for his dynamic interpretations and
deep appreciation of silent film
accompaniment. Performing live on the
RIHS’s historic Wurlitzer, Valliant will
recreate the authentic moviegoing
experience of the 1920s, improvising a
score that enhances every moment of
action, comedy, and drama.

Event Details
● Date: Friday, May 29
● Time: 7:00 - 9:00 PM
● Location: RIHS Performing Arts Center
● Featuring: Brett Valliant, theater organist
● Film: Safety Last (1923)
● Instrument: 1928 Wurlitzer Theater Organ
● Tickets: $25 @ https://ticketstripe.com/may29-Valliant , in person at Moreland &
Devitt, Rushville; or at the door
This special event is presented by the Schuyler Performing Arts Council and generously
sponsored by Alan Burgard and Doug Hahn of Springfield, Illinois and Nancy Jorgesen of
Rushville.
About the Event
This program celebrates the enduring artistry of silent film and the historic Wurlitzer
organ, offering audiences a rare opportunity to experience cinema as it was originally
intended—alive with music, emotion, and communal excitement.
Media Contact:
Jody Worthington, president, Schuyler Performing Arts Council
jodyworthington5@gmail.com
217-248-8501
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