by: Jody Tuso-Key; Managing Editor

ATLANTA – Alliance Theatre is ushering in the next generation of theater patrons—and they’re packing the house with tiny humans and their families. On Saturday, I had the pleasure of attending the opening of The Underground Rep’s production of THE GREAT ANT SLEEPOVER. The experience begins before the curtain even rises, as each ticket includes a complimentary copy of the book of the same name commissioned by Alliance Theatre. The book is authored by Madhuri Shekar with illustrations by Nicole Kang Ahn, while the stage adaptation features a book by Shekar, music by Christian Magby, and lyrics by Christian Albright.

The Underground Rep is a groundbreaking in-house theater company housed in the new Goizueta Stage for Youth and Families and supported by the Imagine Endowment. This season features three children’s productions performed on a rotating schedule: INTO THE BURROW, a musical about Peter Rabbit and friends, runs through June 27; NAKED MOLE RAT GETS DRESSED scampers across the stage through June 30; and THE GREAT ANT SLEEPOVER marches on until July 5.

All three productions are in expert hands, helmed by Managing Director Brandon Kahn and overseen by Jennings Hertz Artistic Directors Tinashe Kajese-Bolden and Christopher Moses. One of the most fascinating aspects of this ambitious project is that all three productions share the same set—an underground wonderland created by scenic designer extraordinaire Kat Conley. Like a well-organized ant colony, every inch of the space serves a purpose. The intimate staging includes a central runway that brings the action directly into the audience and creates opportunities for immersive participation. Lighting designers Rachael N. Blackwell and Ben Rawson illuminate the subterranean world with just the right balance of warmth and wonder. Mile Tutaj’s projections fill the crags and crevices with whimsical imagery, transforming the walls into a living storybook. The music, performed by a live band led by Holt McCarley—all sporting adorable ant-tennae—adds another layer of charm. Combined with sound design by Clay Benning and Hidenori Nakajo, the production becomes a delightful sensory picnic. Kari Twyman’s choreography is consistently entertaining and keeps the energy moving faster than ants finding a dropped Popsicle. Afsaneh Aayani’s costumes are absolutely adorable. Each performer sports a brightly colored ant base costume accented with interchangeable accessories, allowing them to seamlessly transform into two, three, or even four different characters. Together, this creative team took a tiny story and built something colony-sized.

The cast consists of six company performers, five of whom portray multiple roles. Through energetic performances and larger-than-life musical numbers, they create the illusion of a much larger ensemble. The story follows Anton (Jontavious Johnson), a sweet three-year-old ant spending his first night away from his parents in the “big kid room.” Like many young audience members, Anton is excited by his newfound independence right up until he realizes independence can be a little scary. Determined to make his way back to the safety and comfort of his parents’ chamber, he soon finds himself lost in the winding tunnels of the colony and confronted by his fear of the dark. His older sister, Atta (Shelli Delgado), a veteran of the big kids’ chamber, comes to his rescue. By the end of the story, Anton discovers that courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s learning to move forward despite it. It’s a clever coming-of-age tale that resonates beautifully with young audiences while remaining engaging for the grown-ups who drove them there.

Every member of this cast deserves the highest accolades:

Shelli Delgado (Atta/Antsemble) plays the quintessential big sister—slightly annoyed by her little brother but fiercely protective when it counts. She reveals her character’s most embarrassing secret with great comic timing and heart. She’s cute as a button and a bona fide triple threat. I’ve enjoyed Shelli’s performances for years and was ecstatic to see her back on stage. She carries herself with the confidence of an ant who’s already survived several sleepovers.

Blake Fountain (Aunty Aunt/Anaya/Anita’s Dad/Antsemble) provides much of the show’s comic relief and clearly relishes every second of stage time. His enthusiasm is infectious, and the young audience responded immediately to his antics. I first saw Blake as Edna Turnblad in Out Front Theatre Company’s production of HAIRSPRAY, and I knew then that he possessed a fearless comedic instinct. In this production, he proves once again that he can squeeze every laugh out of a scene without ever feeling forced.

Jontavious Johnson (Anton) may very well be the cutest three-year-old ant in the colony. (And yes, I know he’s not actually three.) He’s stubborn, curious, independent, and utterly endearing. The children in the audience adopted him almost immediately, eagerly shouting contradictions whenever Anton was incorrect—which, like many toddlers, was fairly often. He’s an Ant-lanta native and a crowd favorite who carries the show on his tiny six-legged shoulders.

Candy McClellan (Mom/Andre/Antsemble/Dance Captain) is a dear friend, an Atlanta favorite, and one of the hardest-working artists in the business. Not only is she a member of The Underground Rep, but she somehow found time to reprise her hilarious role in THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG at Aurora Theatre. She’s also a teaching artist, director, and accomplished film actor. The 200 percent she devotes to every project, combined with her remarkable talent and positive attitude, keeps her in constant demand. If ant colonies handed out Employee of the Month plaques, Candy would need an entire wall.

Jordan Patrick (Dad/Antsemble/ASM) has appeared on just about every stage in Atlanta, and I’ve enjoyed watching his career since his move to the city in 2017. He is a gift to any cast and transitions between characters with remarkable ease. Whether he’s delivering comedy, warmth, or supporting the ensemble, he remains endlessly watchable. Like a good worker ant, he’s always exactly where he needs to be.

Juan Carlos Unzueta (Angelo/Anita/Antsemble) is another longtime friend and a tremendous asset to any production. He possesses an unmistakable stage presence and a rich, beautiful voice. He appears completely at home in this company, and his cheerful demeanor and larger-than-life personality make him a natural fit for family entertainment. Children adore performers who commit fully to the moment, and Juan Carlos is all in from the second he steps onstage.

My final assessment of THE GREAT ANT SLEEPOVER? This charming original tale is filled with lovable characters, toe-tapping tunes, valuable lessons, and enough heart to fill an entire anthill. It’s the kind of production that entertains children while giving adults plenty to enjoy as well. Judging by the packed house, word is already spreading through the colony. This show is absolutely Speakeysie Recommended, so don’t procrastinate—march in a single-file line over to Alliance Theatre and grab your tickets before they disappear like crumbs at a picnic.