Professional actor Joe Tokarz, who starred as Jean Valjean in QCT’s production of Les Misérables, is returning to the Tri-States—this time, to support a long-time staff member of Quincy Community Theatre

Tokarz will join forces with Quincy Community Theatre to host A Musical Theatre Celebration in Honor of Paul Denckla, a benefit performance supporting QCT’s Technical Director, on Saturday, June 27 at 7:30 PM. Denckla, who was hired as the theatre’s Technical Director in 1992, was recently diagnosed with a rare form of cancer which will become very expensive for his family during the course of treatment. All proceeds from this concert will go directly to assisting Denckla with his medical bills.

During his tenure at the theatre, Denckla has trained countless volunteers, become known for his outstanding performances, and has consistently produced phenomenal scenic and lighting designs for over 100 productions. Originally working at the QCLT location on Payson, Denckla was instrumental in ensuring that the current QCT facility met the vast needs of the organization and has twice assumed the role of Interim Managing Artistic Director.

“Paul has been nothing but wonderful to me,” remarked Mr. Tokarz. “When I heard about Paul, the first thing I did was reach out to QCT to see what I could do to help.”

Starring Mr. Tokarz and a few special guests, this extraordinary night will feature the best of Broadway, including musical theatre classics and new favorites. Mr. Tokarz has spent the better part of the past five years in various productions of Les Misérables, performing the iconic musical well over 1,000 times, including performing with the cast from the recent motion picture during the 2013 Oscars. A Chicago area native, Mr. Tokarz has performed at the Goodman Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Marriott Theatre, Drury Lane, and Theatre at the Center. Select roles include both Javert and Valjean in Les Misérables, Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar, and Dan in Next to Normal. He now works in Walt Disney World as a cast member of Voices of Liberty and plays Crush in Finding Nemo: The Musical.

“After the success of Go the Distance, the benefit we held last year for Autism Speaks, I am hopeful this concert surpasses the amount we were able to raise at that time,” said Mr. Tokarz. “You can expect to hear music from some of my dream shows, including Phantom of the Opera, Carousel, City of Angels, and more, as well as some surprises from fellow Les Misérables cast members.”

Beginning in June, Mr. Tokarz will also create a Facebook poll to pick some of the songs he will be singing.

Tickets are $15, available now at the QCT Box Office and at the door, and additional donations will be accepted. For tickets or more information, visit 1qct.org or call the QCT Box Office, located in the Oakley-Lindsay Center, at (217) 222-3209.

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