Seva May: On My Own — Erik Champney

*Seva May: On My Own*, an autobiographical musical with an original book by Erik Champney, from his interviews with Seva May.

“Seva was just the person that you aspire to be. She was professional. She was an amazing performer. She had the audience in her hand. And at that point, I kind of wanted to become like her if I could become like somebody. That’s what I wanted to do because she really set the bar high.” — Anna Maria Sparke, quoted in “Leading Lady, Seva May”, SB Magazine.

“Erik will return to Shreveport to direct Seva May, On My Own” — “Person of Interest: Erik Champney”, SB Magazine.

Seva May, Shreveport/Bossier’s first lady of the stage, returned to Shreveport Little Theatre in October 2022 in the new one-woman musical, Seva May: On My Own. With an original book by multiple award winner and Kennedy Center honoree Erik Champney, the musical candidly tells the story of Seva’s life through riveting anecdotes infused with musical numbers from her incredible repertoire of stage characters.

Amidst entertaining backstage tales and poignant memories, Seva shares lessons learned while recreating powerful moments from her performances over the past five decades. Classic shows such as Mame, Chicago, Man of La Mancha, Company, A Little Night Music, Evita, Smile, and Hello, Dolly! were represented in new contexts through the lens of Seva’s autobiography, the tale of a small-town girl who fell into beauty pageants, fell into the arms of the love of her life, fell into theatre, fell into a community’s hearts, and, ultimately, became a living local legend.

Originally conceived for the stage by Robert Darrow and Seva May, Seva May: On My Own was created through a series of interviews conducted by Champney, who then curated a fluid script in Seva’s own words.

Seva May & Erik Champney, interviewed by Nate Fluharty for KTBS/ABC.

Rick Rowe interviews Seva May, playwright/director Erik Champney, and musical director Robert Cruz for KTBS/ABC.

Shreveport Little Theatre Presents Seva May: On My Own, Starring Seva May as Herself; Book & Direction by Erik Champney, From His Interviews with Seva May; Musical Direction: Robert Cruz; Scenic Design: Ryan Williams; Lighting Design: Don Hooper; Costume Design: Seva May & Erik Champney; Sound Design: Barry Butler; Master Electrician: Julie Edwards; Technical Director: Derek Shiplov; Stage Manager: Rachel Havird; Assistant Director & Light Board Operator: Logan Digilormo; Spotlight Operator: River Young; Soundboard Operator: Barry Larson; Press: John Daniel; Lobby Art: Byron May; Special Thanks: Ron & Marty Champney, John Paul Calcote, Elizabeth Deal, Jamie Killeen, Byron May, Logan May, Kim Price, SB Magazine, Derek Shiplov; Shreveport Little Theatre Artistic Director: Robert Darrow.