Oh, happy day. A big round of applause goes to The Children’s Theatre, for welcoming home (and giving employment) to two electrifying young area actors.

Andy Gaukel gave many memorable performances in the early days of Clear Stage then left for Edinburgh, Scotland. He has signed on with Children’s Theatre to work in the education department (hopefully leaving many evenings free.) His wife Kirstie, we hear, did PR for Edinburgh Fringe, so welcome her to the theater community with open arms, too.

Roderick Justice, 2007 NKU grad and Acclaim Rising Star, had a brief fling with NYC last winter but is spending Memorial Day weekend moving back. He starts at Children’s Theatre on June 1 as artistic associate. That means some acting (“High School Musical 2”) some costuming (including “HSM2”), some choreographing (including “HSM2”), some directing and much shadowing of artistic director Jack Louiso.

 

Justice starts rehearsals for Commonwealth (a.k.a. NKU) Theater’s “Forever Plaid,” opening in July and was spotted at last week’s auditions for “Jesus Christ Superstar,” which he’s choreographing for Commonwealth at The Carnegie in December. (I’m just saying, Justice was one amazing Judas when NKU produced the musical a few seasons back.) He’s also put a bid in to direct for Showboat Majestic in 2009.