Beauty is in the eye of the ogre in Shrek The Musical JR., based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film and fantastic Broadway musical.  It's a "big bright beautiful world" as everyone's favorite ogre, Shrek, leads a cast of fairytale misfits on an adventure to rescue a princess and find true acceptance.  Part romance and part twisted fairy tale, Shrek JR. is an irreverently fun show with a powerful message for the whole family.

Once upon a time, in a far away swamp, there lived an ogre named Shrek.  One day, Shrek finds his swamp invaded by banished fairytale misfits who have been cast off by Lord Farquaad, a tiny terror with big ambitions. When Shrek sets off with a wisecracking donkey to confront Farquaad, he's handed a task — if he rescues feisty princess Fiona, his swamp will be righted. Shrek tries to win Fiona’s love and vanquish Lord Farquaad, but a fairytale wouldn't be complete without a few twists and turns along the way.

The History and Legacy of Friends

Friends of Broadway Babies and Kids was born from a moment of love, necessity, and an unwavering belief in the power of the performing arts to heal, connect, and transform lives.

The idea began when one of our young students, an extraordinary child with a rare form of ear cancer, was suddenly unable to return to class while undergoing intensive chemotherapy treatments. For him, the studio was more than a place to sing and dance; it was a source of joy, normalcy, friendship, and hope. When he could no longer come to us, the question became clear: 

How could we bring the class to him?

So we did.

Back in 2017, Founder Katie Kerwin-Gielniak began traveling to his home, creating moments of music, movement, laughter, storytelling and belonging during an unimaginably difficult time. 

“I can't tell you how much we appreciate you and Broadway Babies. Teacher Katie was the only other contact Adrian had during his 2 years of intense chemo and he absolutely loves her. Dance really allowed  him to understand his body and keep his spirit going”.~Hana (Mom of A)

These visits reminded us that the performing arts are not just about the stage, they are about human connection, resilience, and the healing power of shared experience.

However, as medical bills mounted and resources became strained, it became clear that sustaining this work required more than goodwill alone. While classes were offered through personal effort and volunteerism, we recognized the need for a formal structure that could support teachers, expand access, and ensure that no child or family would be excluded due to financial hardship or circumstance.

From this realization, Friends of Broadway Babies and Kids was formed.

The nonprofit was created to support initiatives that extend the life-changing benefits of the performing arts into the broader community, particularly to those facing medical, financial, or personal challenges. Our mission is rooted in the belief that everyone belongs, and that the arts are a powerful vehicle for healing, leadership development, confidence building, and lifelong skills both physically mentally and emotionally. 

Through Friends of Broadway Babies and Kids, we provide educational enrichment opportunities, scholarships, outreach programs, and special initiatives that allow students to train with industry professionals and dedicated educators, both locally and abroad. These experiences create lasting memories, meaningful connections, builds a community and a sense of purpose that extends far beyond the classroom or stage.

What began as an effort to support one child became a commitment to performing arts for all.

Today, Friends of Broadway Babies and Kids honors its origins by creating inclusive spaces that cultivate creativity, leadership, and connection through the performing arts.