Producer John Frost for Crossroads Live today announced that Broadway’s smash-hit musical WAITRESS will be baking its way to Melbourne in 2026. The inspiring musical from pop sensation Sara Bareilles will open at Her Majesty’s Theatre in May, prior to a season at the Sydney Lyric Theatre from August 2026.
Waitlist now to be first in line to buy tickets for the Melbourne season at WaitresstheMusical.com.au.
Inspired by Adrienne Shelly’s beloved film, and brought to life by a trailblazing female-led 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.
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.
Sara Bareilles said:
“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. 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 Melbourne and Sydney audiences to experience WAITRESS.”
Producer John Frost For Crossroads Live said:
“I’m thrilled to be this original and inspiring production to Australia. WAITRESS became a massive 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. With Sara Bareilles (music and lyrics), Jessie Nelson (book), Lorin Latarro (choreography) and Diane Paulus (direction). It opened on Broadway in April 2016 at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre, where it ran until January 2020. WAITRESS was originally produced by Barry & Fran Weissler and Norton and Elayne Herrick.
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…
WAITRESS premieres in Australia in May 2026 at Her Majesty’s Theatre. 219 Exhibition Street Melbourne Vic 3000.
It runs in Sydney from 1 August 2026.
Waitlist for tickets here.
Website: https://waitressthemusical.com.au/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/waitressau/
Hero image: Canadian company of WAITRESS. Photo by Marie-Andrée
