Retta Blaney

Retta Blaney is an award-winning journalist.

She is the author of Working on the Inside: The Spiritual Life Through the Eyes of Actors (2003), which features interviews with Shoshana Bean, Kristin Chenoweth, Ann Dowd, Edward Herrmann, Liam Neeson, Phylicia Rashad, Vanessa Williams, and many more. Blaney is the founding producer of Broadway Blessing, an interfaith service of song, dance, and story that brings New York City’s Broadway theatre community together every September to ask God’s blessing on the new season. Among those who have taken part over the years are Chita Rivera, Stephanie J. Block, Lynn Redgrave, Boyd Gaines, Edward Herrmann, James Barbour, Mary-Mitchell Campbell, Tituss Burgess, Melissa Errico, Kathleen Chalfant, Billy Porter, and Broadway Inspirational Voices.

Broadway Blessing celebrated its 25th anniversary in September 2022, with Blaney as the producer. Broadway Blessing was born out of Blaney’s experience speaking with young actors who struggled in their profession, feeling discouraged and rejected. A writer at the time for Back Stage, Blaney created a joyful event to bring actors together, celebrating their giftedness and empowering them with hope.

FSA features Retta Blaney’s article “Foundation Connects Faith and Arts” for The Living Church under Press.