BRATTLEBORO — Latchis Arts presents two holiday screenings of the film Elma and the Top, an original musical by Newfane composer, filmmaker, and writer Robert Fritz, on Saturday and Sunday, December 16 and 17, at 4:00 p.m.
With songs by Fritz and Denis Smith, Elma and the Top tells the story of Elma, the smallest elf in the North Pole, who tries and tries to be of use but just can't find where and how she fits in. It is also the story of the Top, who finds out there is more in life than it originally thought. Together, the stories show that no matter what the past has been, we can start again, and we are always given a new chance to reach our most important dreams.
Elma and the Top had its live theatrical debut in December 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia, featuring a cast of professional singers, actors, dancers, and musicians. "It charmed Atlanta audiences last year," say organizers. This will be the first screening of the film version in Fritz's home community.
"What a cast - a group of some of the most talented people on the planet! This is no exaggeration. They have come together to tell a story that almost all of us have lived at one point or another in our lives, and that is being the underdog, the person who tries to belong, but somehow doesn't fit in no matter how hard they try," wrote Fritz in the Playbill for the show.
Elma and the Top came together when Smith approached Fritz about working on a Christmas show.
"We want to share something wonderful for the most wonderful holiday there is - Christmas," said Fritz.
Fritz is also an organizational consultant for some of the largest companies in the world. Rosalind, his wife and colleague, is the narrator.
Admission is by suggested donation of $10, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds. Proceeds will be shared with the New England Youth Theatre and the Brattleboro Music Center. For more information, visit latchis.com.
This The Arts item was submitted to The Commons.