An Evening Celebrating Tom Chute at Seven Angels

Seven Angels Theatre hosted a wonderful evening celebrating Tom Chute on Thursday evening. The official “In the Wings” publication designed by Jonathan Zalaski served as the program for the evening.

“The Board of Directors, staff, ad all who have worked with Tom throughout his career could think of no better way to honor Tom than to fill our theater with folds from the Waterbury community and beyond expressing their appreciation and gratitude for the incomparable Tom Chute! Tom has been part of the the Seven Angels family for over 30 years. He’s been an actor, a director, a singer, a master of ceremonies, and even a nun; but most of all, he’s been our friend.”

Around 7 p.m. all of the guests headed into the theater for Tom Chute and his wife Marybeth Chute were led to a table set up on the stage. The table was actually from the Chute’s kitchen.

Artistic director Semina De Laurentis began the program of events with welcoming remarks. The Very Reverend James Sullivan of the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception presented Chute with a crucifix made out of the wood from a door of the church.

Waterbury Mayor Neil M. O’Leary took to the stage to thank Chute for his support of Waterbury.

WATR’s host of “Coffee Break” Barbara Davitt came to the microphone to say good-bye to her long-time colleague.

State Representative Geraldo Reyes, Jr. and State Senator Joan V. Hartley presented the Chutes with a proclamation from the Governor of Connecticut declaring the day “Tom Chute Day” in the state.

“Thank you, Best Wishes, Happy Retirement…You will be missed!” in a separate leaflet included a snapshot of the many of the many organizations that Chute has supported over the years. There were detailed testimonials from Julie Loughran, the President and CEO of Connecticut Community Foundation, Bob Tansley, the founder of The Golden Years Theatre Company, Barbara Ann Dublin, Executive Director of Greater Waterbury Interfaith Ministries, Lisa Martin, president of Lions Club of Waterbury, Bob Burns of the Mattatuck Museum, William Rybczyjk of New Opportunities, Inc. Frank Tavera, the CEO of Palace Theater, Jeffrey Lapham of Shakesperience, Edwin Rogdriguez of St. Vincent DePaul, Kristen Jacoby of United Way of Waterbury, Art Denze of Waterbury Neighborhood Council, Lynn Ward of Waterbury Regional Chamber, Leif Bjaland of the Waterbury Symphony, Robert Dorr of Waterbury Veterans Memorial Committee and Terry Mitchell Smith and Reggie Beamon of Waterbury Opportunities Industrialization Center.

“The community salutes Tom for his ever-present delightful personality, upbeat willingness to welcome guests to his radio show, and his superhero-like ability to seemingly be at more than one place at a time as Master of Ceremonies for hundreds of events for more organizations that can be listed.”

In the lobby there was a cutout of Chute when he played a nun in one of the “Nunsense” musicals at Seven Angels.

Semina and her staff really know how to throw a party.

“Tom, we wish to you in your retirement the same joy that you have selflessly shared with others in your endless support of our community. All the best to you!” - Semina De Laurentis