Broadway smash hit musical ‘Waitress’, inspired by Adrienne Shelly’s beloved film, will hit Australia for the very first time, premiering ay Sydney Lyric Theatre.
The show, opening in July 2026, is brought to life by a trailblazing creative team including a book from acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson, an original, uplifting score by GRAMMY Award-winner Sara Bareilles (‘Love Song’, ‘Brave’) and direction by Tony Award-winner Diane Paulus.
“It’s been a dream of mine to see ‘Waitress’ (finally) find its way to Australia,” Sara Bareilles says. “This story is about dreams, friendship and the courage needed to learn to love oneself, which feels so universal, and so timely. Over the years, we have witnessed such an incredible embrace of this show, and I’m so proud to be a part of the team that is bringing you something so full of heart and soul. I’m so excited for Sydney audiences to experience ‘Waitress’.”
‘Waitress’ tells the story of Jenna – a small-town waitress and expert pie-maker, longing to escape her rocky marriage and start again. An offering of change presents itself in the form of a baking contest, an unexpected new romance, and support from her fellow waitresses. Jenna discovers that the secret ingredient to happiness may be closer than she imagined.
“I am so excited to bring this original and inspiring production to Australian audiences,” Producer John Frost for Crossroads Live says. “‘Waitress’ became a huge hit on Broadway where it played for almost four years, receiving four Tony nominations and six Drama Desk nominations, as well as many other awards and nominations. It had a return season on Broadway, played the West End from 2019, toured the US three times, and was a huge hit in many countries across the world.
“’Waitress’ has become a ‘must see’ musical, with its memorable music by Sara Bareilles and universal themes of hope and resilience.”
“’Waitress’’s Australian premiere has been many years in the making,” original Producer Barry Weissler adds. “Collaborating with our longtime partner John Frost and his team at Crossroads Live, we are thrilled to finally have the chance to share this story ‘baked from the heart’ with audiences in Oz. Pie for everyone!”
Waitlist now.
‘Waitress’ opens at Sydney Lyric Theatre from July 2026.
