Broadway Smash-Hit Waitress The Musical To Premiere in Sydney in 2026


Broadway’s smash-hit musical WAITRESS is baking its way to Australia for the very first time,  premiering at the Sydney Lyric Theatre in July 2026. Waitlist at WaitresstheMusical.com.au to be first in line to buy tickets when they go on sale later this month. 

Inspired by Adrienne Shelly’s beloved film, and brought to life by a trailblazing creative  team, including a book by acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson, an original, uplifting score  by Grammy® winner Sara Bareilles (Love Song, Brave) and direction by Tony® winner Diane  Paulus, WAITRESS is the irresistible Broadway hit about resilience, friendship and hope that  has captured hearts worldwide. 

It’s been a dream of mine to see WAITRESS (finally) find its way to Australia,” said Sara  Bareilles. “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.” 

This heartwarming and empowering musical tells the story of Jenna, a small-town waitress  and expert pie maker who longs to escape her rocky marriage and start again. When a  baking contest, an unexpected new romance and the support of her fellow waitresses offer  her a taste of change, Jenna discovers that the secret ingredient to happiness might be  closer than she ever imagined. 

I am so excited to bring this original and inspiring production to Australian audiences,” said  producer John Frost for Crossroads Live. “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 made history on Broadway with the four top creative spots in a show being filled  by women – Sara Bareilles (music and lyrics), Jessie Nelson (book), Lorin Latarro (choreography) and Diane Paulus (direction). It opened on Broadway on 24 April 2016 at the  Brooks Atkinson Theatre, where it ran until 5 January 2020. WAITRESS was originally  produced by Barry & Fran Weissler and Norton and Elayne Herrick. 

WAITRESS’s Australian premiere has been many years in the making. 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!” said Original Producer Barry Weissler. 

Treat yourself to a slice of 5 Star musical pie” – The Times 

Sweet, sassy, passionate & delightful!” – New York Magazine 

Simply delightful! A glorious reminder that life is messy and wondrous!” – The Washington Post 

Sweet, sassy and soul-stirring, WAITRESS is “a little slice of heaven” (Entertainment Weekly)  and “made from the finest ingredients” (Time Out). It’s a feel-good celebration of second  chances, and the magic of a well-made pie. 

If only life were as easy as pie… 

WAITLIST NOW WAITRESSTHEMUSICAL.COM.AU 

#WaitressAu @WaitressAu 


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