Review Fix chats with Playwright Bob Rotay and actress Loni Ackermanwho discuss their new production “Glockcoma,†which is set for a run at this year’s Midtown International Theatre Festival.
For more on this production, click here.

GLOCKCOMAÂ by Robert Rotay, music and lyrics by Rachel Rotay, directed by Brian Catton, musical director Andy Evan Cohen; starring Loni Akerman*, Amber Crawford*, Rachel Rotay, Carmen Lamar*, Madison McGhee, and James Solar. A Lifetime of regrets with only one way out. (Musical) *AEA
Performance Schedule:Â Wed 7/27, 8:30pm; Fri 7/29, 6:00pm; Sun 7/31, 1:00pm
Review Fix: What was the inspiration for this project?
Bob Rotay: Three differing aspects motivated to write “Glockcoma.” First, my wife asked me to write a play centered on my daughter Rachel’s song “Turning Pages.” The request was in the form of a ” honey do list.” Secondly, Rachel (my daughter), needed a framework in which to write her songs around. Clothes hang on the body, music hangs on a play with music. Lastly, on a personal level, I needed to express what we all go through – handling life’s regrets. I have them, we all have them.                        Â
Review Fix: What your creative process like?Â
Rotay: I have been an engineer now for almost 30 years. Engineering is process oriented. Process oriented thinking and problem solving techniques have become ingrained into my everyday life. Writing this play made me realize that there is an inherent skeletal structure, an envelope and differing criteria which must be met. There are time constraints, set constraints, budget and monetary constraints that all must be met while simultaneously meeting the creative, the human aspects and the story I wished to tell. My engineering background helped me achieve this end.Â
Review Fix: What makes this different or special?
Rotay: Not many plays are written by engineers and not many plays are written by a Father and Daughter. The Father wrote the book and the Daughter wrote the music. This is special.
Review Fix: What did you learn about yourself through this process?Â
Rotay: This project has revealed the following about me. Firstly, all the skills I have applied in life can be useful and applied to the creative process. Secondly, I discovered how much I love writing and exploring in the “play format.” Lastly, that one must overcome their inertia. It is too easy to do nothing, but an engineer, his 13 year old daughter with their supportive wife and mother respectively, are going to have a play performed in New York City. Put your mind and creative energies together and the sum is greater than the whole.
Review Fix: How does it feel to part of something like this?                                         Â
Loni Ackerman: I love being part of a new production. The cast is an inspiration, as is our director, Brian Catton.
Review Fix: What are your ultimate goals for this production and for the future?
Rotay: My goal for the future is that everyone involved in the play gets something out of it. This may sound crass, but let’s be honest. Loni Ackerman, Carmen Lamar, Amber Crawford, Madison McGhee, James Soller are all wanting recognition for their talent. I want them to get the accolades they deserve and new roles in other plays. Rachel my daughter has a dream of going to Julliard. Will this help, I hope so. Brian Catton the director- what does he want? He wants what all directors’ want- recognition and more plays to direct. Finally, what does Bob Rotay want? If this goes well, he would like to write another play. Remember human ingenuity coupled with collaboration can produce marvelous and wonderful things! I look forward to the future.                                 

Review Fix: What do you think your audiences will enjoy the most?Â
Ackerman: The audience will be blown away by our composer’s music and lyric….Rachel Rotay…and she’s 14 years old!
Review Fix: What’s next?
Rotay: Well speaking from my point of view, I would like to write more. I have lots of ideas. More ideas than time
Leave a Reply