Local theatre supporter, actor/director, and charming radio personality Tom Chute hosted his annual WATR's Open House Christmas Party at the Palace Theater in downtown Waterbury. Mr. Chute was live on the air Christmas Eve from 6:30 am to 10:00 am. Having outgrown Largay Travel, the station moved the party to the lobby of the beautiful Palace Theater. Free parking was available just across the street from the theatre and Waterbury police officers helped visitors to cross the busy street to get to the lobby.
I arrived just before 8:00 am and ran into the inimitable Tim Phillips in a Santa cap immediately after he had appeared on the air. Mr. Chute, wearing his special Christmas tie, greeted me warmly as I thanked him for his unending support of local theatre. He invited me to enjoy some of the coffee 'and' from local businesses. The 'and' was amazing; I enjoyed the delectable donuts from Dottie's Diner and wonderful personal size quiches. There were also Sweet Maria's cookies.
Then Mr. Chute asked me to appear on the air to discuss "Naugy Patch" and I was happy, if a little nervous, to oblige. It took a minute to adjust to the delay on the speakers in the lobby, so I forced myself just to focus on his face. I know for sure that he said really nice things about my reviews and I tried to make sense in my responses. It was such an honor for my little dog and pony show. I didn't win anything in raffle, but Tim Phillips did!
