Broadway’s “Cabaret” to End Early Due to Lead’s Health Issues
The curtains are set to drop early for the Broadway show “Cabaret.” Production will wrap up four weeks ahead of schedule, prompted by lead star Billy Porter suffering from a “severe case of sepsis.”
A statement on Instagram from the producer revealed that Porter, 55, “must withdraw from production.” They went on to note that while his doctors are optimistic about his recovery, he needs to take it easy for the time being.
Sepsis, as defined by the Mayo Clinic, is a serious condition triggered by the body’s response to infection. It can potentially harm organ function as the body tries to fight off the infection.
The last performance of “Cabaret at Kit Kat Club” is now set for September 21, instead of the previously scheduled October 19.
In the final two weeks of performances, Porter will be replaced by Marty Lauter and David Merino in the role of Emcee, as confirmed by the producer.
Adam Speers, a producer with ATG Production, expressed appreciation for Billy’s remarkable talent and energy, wishing him a swift recovery and looking forward to future collaborations.
Speers also encourages audiences to enjoy one last visit to the Kit Kat Club, highlighting Marisha Wallace as “Sally Bowles” and complimenting the performances by Lauter and Merino, who have captivated audiences since the revival started in April.
The revival of the beloved musical by John Kander and Fred Ebb began its run on Broadway in April 2024, featuring Eddie Redmayne and Gale Rankin in leading roles. The story captures the vibrant nightlife at the Kit Kat Club in Berlin against the backdrop of the Nazi Party’s rise to power.
While the show has garnered significant acclaim, reports indicate it has faced challenges at the box office, recently slipping below 70% capacity, bringing in around $500,000.
Back in July, Porter shared his deep affection for performing in “Cabaret,” stating how meaningful the role was to him during such a pivotal time in American history.
He remarked, “Art has the power to heal, art has the power to transform. My art is my calling, my purpose, my ministry, my resistance, my activism, my hope, my joy, my love. It’s everything to me.”
