Billy Porter Withdraws From Broadway’s ‘Cabaret’ Due to Sepsis; Production to Close Early Amidst Attendance Woes

Billy Porter, the celebrated Tony Award winner, has abruptly withdrawn from the Broadway revival of “Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club” due to a serious bout of sepsis. This unforeseen health crisis has also led to the production announcing an early closure of its run at the August Wilson Theatre, with the final performance now scheduled for September 21, nearly a month sooner than its original October 19 closing date.

A Health Emergency Halts Broadway’s “Cabaret”

The decision for Billy Porter to exit the production comes after his doctors advised him to rest and recover from a “serious case of sepsis,” a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body’s response to an infection damages its own tissues and organs. Producers confirmed that while Porter is expected to make a full recovery, his immediate departure is necessary for his well-being.

Porter, who reprised his Olivier Award-winning role as the Emcee from London’s West End production, began starring in the Broadway show on July 22. His withdrawal means the role will be filled by alternates Marty Lauter and David Merino for the remaining performances. Marisha Wallace, who also transferred from the West End production to play Sally Bowles, will continue with the show until its early closing.

“Cabaret” Production Faces Early Closure Amidst Challenges

The producers cited Porter’s illness as a primary factor in the difficult decision to close the show early. This development comes after the production had already announced an earlier closing date in June, suggesting it had been facing attendance challenges. Reports indicate that the show’s box office receipts had been on a downward trend, with capacity reportedly falling below 70 percent in recent weeks. The immersive staging of “Cabaret,” which transformed the August Wilson Theatre into the Kit Kat Club, involved significant production costs, which may have contributed to the financial strain.

“It is with a heavy heart that we have made the painful decision to end our Broadway run on Sept. 21,” producer Adam Speers stated. He added, “On behalf of all the producers, we’re so honored to have been able to bring this version of John Kander, Fred Ebb, and Joe Masteroff’s important masterpiece, Cabaret, to New York and to have opened the doors to our own Kit Kat Club for the year and a half we have been here.” Speers also expressed gratitude for Porter’s “extraordinary” performance and wished him a speedy recovery, looking forward to future collaborations.

At the time of its closure, “Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club” will have played 18 preview performances and 592 regular performances. This revival, known for its immersive design and critically acclaimed West End run, faced a challenging path on Broadway, with reports suggesting significant financial losses.

Broader Context in Broadway News

The early closure of “Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club” occurs amidst a dynamic period for Broadway news. While new movie and TV releases continue to capture public attention, the theater industry is constantly navigating the return of audiences and the viability of large-scale productions. The Broadway League reported that attendance figures for the 2023-2024 season were comparable to those of the 2013-2014 season, indicating a slow rebound post-pandemic, with capacity remaining high but overall grosses not yet reaching pre-COVID peaks. The landscape sees a continuous influx of new film and TV shows, with announcements for upcoming movie premieres and new television release dates frequently dominating entertainment news.

Despite the challenges, the theater scene remains vibrant with a slate of new Broadway shows and West End productions continuing to open. While this particular revival of “Cabaret” concludes its run, the enduring appeal of classic musicals and the potential for new casting to drive interest remains a constant in the theater news cycle. The production’s journey on Broadway, marked by a highly anticipated star and a unique immersive experience, ultimately concludes amidst unforeseen health circumstances and reported financial headwinds.

The immediate focus remains on Billy Porter’s recovery. The theatrical community extends its well wishes to the acclaimed performer, hoping for his swift and complete return to health. Meanwhile, the August Wilson Theatre will soon see a new production take the stage, as the ever-evolving cycle of Broadway news continues.