Broadway sensation WAITRESS will make its Australian debut in 2026

Isabelle James
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I have been writing on arts and culture for over three years. After moving to Sydney in 2023, I became fascinated with travel journalism and the diverse number of events and activities that Sydney has to offer, and I now cover Sydney for local, interstate and international travellers.
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Updated On
October 8, 2025

  • Broadway smash-hit musical WAITRESS will make its Australian debut next year.
  • The show will premiere at the Sydney Lyric Theatre in July 2026.
  • Fans can join the waitlist to be among the first to purchase tickets when they go on sale later this month.

Broadway’s smash-hit musical WAITRESS will make its long-awaited Australian debut at the Sydney Lyric Theatre in July 2026.

The heartwarming musical follows the life of Jenna Hunterson, a waitress and expert pie maker stuck in a small town and a loveless marriage. When a local pie-baking contest gives her a glimmer of hope, Jenna realises her dream of a better life might finally be within reach. The play is inspired by Adrienne Shelly’s beloved film, which stars Keri Russell as Jenna.

Centred on themes of resilience, friendship and hope, WAITRESS has garnered international acclaim, including four Tony Award nominations and two Olivier Award nominations. It also won the 2017 Grammy for Best Musical Theatre Album, no doubt thanks to its trailblazing creative team, consisting of acclaimed screenwriter Jessie Nelson, an original, uplifting score by Grammy winner Sara Bareilles and direction by Tony winner Diane Paulus.

With the inclusion of choreographer Lorin Lattaro, WAITRESS made history on Broadway with the four top creative spots in a show being filled by women.

Bareilles, who also starred in the 2021 Broadway production, spoke on the news, stating, “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.”

Original Producer, Barry Weissler, also shared his excitement, saying,

“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!”

READ MORE: Review: Back to the Future: The Musical has some of the most stunning stagecraft I’ve ever seen

Sara Bareilles Waitress
Sara Bareilles starred in the 2021 Broadway production of WAITRESS. (Image: Shutterstock).

READ MORE: Review: Why Rent at the Sydney Opera House still resonates after 29 years

How to get tickets

The show won’t be premiering in Sydney until July 2026; however, fans can sign up to the waitlist here to be among the first to secure their tickets.

Tickets are set to go on sale later this month, with no official date set.

You can keep up-to-date with their Instagram page here.


WAITRESS: The Musical

Where: Sydney Lyric Theatre, 55 Pirrama Rd, Pyrmont NSW 2009.
When: Premiering in July 2026.

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