Sydney, get ready for a slice of Broadway heaven! The hit musical WAITRESS will make its long-awaited Australian premiere at the Sydney Lyric Theatre in July 2026. Audiences can now join the waitlist at WaitresstheMusical.com.au to be first in line for tickets when they go on sale later this month.
Based on Adrienne Shelly’s much-loved film, WAITRESS has been brought to life by an extraordinary all-female creative team — with a book by Jessie Nelson, music and lyrics by Grammy® Award-winner Sara Bareilles (Love Song, Brave), choreography by Lorin Latarro, and direction by Tony® Award-winner Diane Paulus.
The result? A heartfelt, funny, and empowering musical about resilience, friendship, and finding the courage to start again.
“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. I’m so proud to be part of a team bringing something so full of heart and soul to Sydney audiences.”
At the centre of the story is Jenna, a small-town waitress and expert pie-maker who longs to break free from her unhappy marriage. When a local baking contest — and an unexpected new romance — offer her a taste of change, Jenna learns that happiness might be closer than she ever imagined.
“WAITRESS became a huge hit on Broadway, playing for almost four years and earning multiple Tony and Drama Desk nominations,” said John Frost for Crossroads Live. “It’s a show filled with heart, hope and memorable music — a true celebration of resilience.”
Originally opening on Broadway in 2016 at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre, WAITRESS made history as the first musical with all four top creative roles filled by women. Since then, it has enchanted audiences across the globe, from London’s West End to international tours.
“Collaborating with John Frost and Crossroads Live to finally bring WAITRESS to Australia is such a joy,” said Original Producer Barry Weissler. “This show is truly baked from the heart — and now, it’s time for audiences ‘down under’ to have a slice!”
With rave reviews from around the world calling it “sweet, sassy, passionate and delightful” (New York Magazine) and “a glorious reminder that life is messy and wondrous” (The Washington Post), WAITRESS promises to be one of Sydney’s must-see musicals of 2026.
So grab your forks — and get ready to fall in love, one song (and one slice of pie) at a time.
Join the Waitlist: WaitresstheMusical.com.au
Venue: Sydney Lyric Theatre
Opening: July 2026
*Please also see our article this week in AUDITIONS regarding casting for this show!!
