A Sweet Slice of Hope: Could WAITRESS be returning to Australia?
The smell of fresh-baked pie might soon drift through Australian theatres, if the latest tease from the American Repertory Theater’s Instagram is anything to go by.
A post from the company (where Waitress first premiered) recently set fans buzzing. It featured a carousel of images celebrating the show’s global journey, with one particularly striking slide: a pie accompanied with “Australia 2026,” and a small Australian flag.
The company premiered Waitress in 2015 before it transferred to Broadway the following year. With music and lyrics by Grammy winner Sara Bareilles, the production became an instant hit, earning four Tony Award nominations and winning over audiences worldwide with its heartfelt story, memorable songs, and empowering message.
Australia, however, has so far missed out on its own production. A Sydney season was originally planned, but the arrival of COVID-19 in 2020 forced producers to postpone indefinitely. While disappointing, the cancellation never dampened local enthusiasm for the production, which has maintained a strong following thanks to its cast album, international productions, and a filmed version of the show.
Nothing has been confirmed yet, but fans can take comfort in the fact that Australia hasn’t been forgotten.
Until official news arrives, Australian audiences will just have to keep their forks ready. After all, this might be one pie worth waiting for.
