Broadway’s smash-hit musical “Waitress” is coming to Australia, with a cast led by none other than Natalie Bassingthwaighte and Rob Mills.
Inspired by Adrienne Shelly’s beloved film, “Waitress” tells the story of Jenna, a small-town waitress and expert pie maker trapped in a difficult marriage who dreams of escape. When a baking contest and unexpected romance present new opportunities, Jenna discovers that change might be closer than she imagined, supported by her fellow waitresses in a tale of resilience and self-discovery.
Bassingthwaighte, who will lead the cast as Jenna, will be joined by Gabriyel Thomas (“Cats,” “Sister Act”) and Mackenzie Dunn (“Grease,” “Annie”) as Becky and Dawn, her coworkers at the diner.
Bassingthwaighte’s music career has seen her achieve acclaim as one of only twenty Australian solo female artists to reach No. 1 on the ARIA Album Charts with her solo album, “1000 STARS.” She has enjoyed international success as frontwoman of The Rogue Traders, achieving multi-platinum sales across two albums, as well as two APRA nominations, an MTV award win and seven ARIA nominations.
Most recently lauded for her performance on stage in the title role of last year’s Australian tour of “Shirley Valentine,” Natalie has created many memorable characters on stage including Roxie in “Chicago,” Mary-Jane in Alanis Morissette’s “Jagged Little Pill,” Sandy in “Grease” and Florence Vassy in “Chess.” Her work on television includes the original host of “So You Think You Can Dance,” judge on “The X Factor,” and competing alongside her sister Mel on “The Amazing Race” in 2024.
Star of stage and screen Rob Mills will play Dr Pomatter, and legendary actor John Waters will be Joe, the owner of the diner.
Mills has had celebrated roles in musicals including “& Juliet,” “Wicked,” “Hairspray,” “Ghost,” “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “Grease,” and on screen in “Neighbours,” “Winners and Losers,” “Dancing With the Stars” and the 2025 season of “The Amazing Race.”
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Meanwhile Waters, who has a career spanning over 50 years, is well known for lead roles in the film “Breaker Morant” and several television series including “Rush,” “All the Rivers Run,” “Rake” and his 20-year run on “Play School.” His prolific stage work includes “Hair,” “Godspell” and “Jesus Christ Superstar” in the 1970s, through to the musicals “The Rocky Horror Show,” “They’re Playing Our Song” opposite Jackie Weaver, “The Sound of Music” opposite Lisa McCune and most recently the thrilling play “The Woman in Black.”
“I’m overjoyed to announce this extraordinarily talented cast. They will beautifully bring to life the delightful characters in this original and inspiring production,” said Producer John Frost from Crossroads Live.
“’Waitress’ was a massive hit on Broadway where it played for almost four years, and was a huge success in the West End and 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” will make its Australian debut at Melbourne’s Her Majesty’s Theatre on May 1st, before making its way to Sydney’s Lyric Theatre on August 1st. Tickets are on sale now – see here for details.