In what will undoubtedly be exciting news to those fans who have been left watching the proshot on Apple TV+ and been wanting something a lot more local, Waitress is set to premiere in Australia at the Sydney Lyric Theatre in July 2026. Produced by John Frost for Crossroads Live, only a Sydney season has been announced as of writing, with a waitlist for first dibs at tickets now available via the musical’s official website.
Based on Adrienne Shelly’s film, the production features a book by Jessie Nelson, an original score by Grammy winner Sara Bareilles, and direction by Tony winner Diane Paulus. The musical seeks to tackle themes of resilience, friendship and optimism, coupled with a confection of character-driven storytelling and pop-inflected tunes.
Waitress‘ story follows Jenna, a small-town waitress and expert pie maker, who is looking for a way out of a difficult marriage. A baking contest, a new romance and the support of her fellow waitresses offer a path toward change as she discovers that happiness might be closer than it first appears.
Composer and lyricist Sara Bareilles framed the Australian bow as a long-hoped-for milestone:
It’s been a dream of mine to see WAITRESS (finally) find its way to Australia. 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.
Meanwhile, Producer John Frost of Crossroads Live underlined the show’s track record and broad appeal:
I am so excited to bring this original and inspiring production to Australian audiences. 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.
Original producer Barry Weissler also welcomed the long-awaited Australian staging:
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!
For those aspiring to join the cast of Waitress in Australia, audition registrations are currently open – and are set to close on 22 October 2025.
