Cabaret on Broadway Announces Early Closing Amid Billy Porter’s Sepsis Battle; Production Cites Health Emergency and Attendance Challenges

The acclaimed Broadway revival of “Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club” will conclude its run at the August Wilson Theatre on Sunday, September 21, 2025, nearly a month earlier than its previously scheduled closing date of October 19. The abrupt end to the production comes as star Billy Porter, who has been portraying the Emcee, has withdrawn from the show due to a “serious case of sepsis.”

The Unexpected Curtain Call

Producers announced the difficult decision on Sunday, September 7, citing Billy Porter’s immediate withdrawal from the production. Porter’s health emergency has necessitated the early closure, bringing the highly immersive show’s Broadway tenure to a close after 18 preview performances and 592 regular performances. The production team expressed deep regret over the early end, acknowledging the disappointment for audiences and the creative team alike. While Porter is expected to make a full recovery, his doctors have advised him to maintain a restful schedule, preventing his return to the stage for the show’s final weeks.

A Star’s Health Battle

Billy Porter, a Tony Award winner known for his captivating stage presence, joined “Cabaret” in July 2025. His diagnosis of sepsis, a life-threatening condition where the body’s response to infection damages its own tissues, has taken center stage. While his medical team is confident in his recovery, the seriousness of the condition prompted the immediate need for him to step away from the demanding performance schedule. Producers have extended their well wishes for his swift return to health, with one statement noting anticipation for future collaborations.

Behind the Scenes: The Production’s Run

This revival of “Cabaret,” directed by Rebecca Frecknall, transformed the August Wilson Theatre into an intimate, Weimar-era Berlin nightclub, the Kit Kat Club. The production, which opened on Broadway in April 2024, received critical acclaim for its immersive staging and thematic resonance. However, despite its artistic merits and initial strong attendance, the show has faced significant financial hurdles. Reports indicate that recent weeks have seen a decline in box office receipts, with attendance figures described as unsustainably low, hovering around $505,142 in late August and not meeting the financial targets required to sustain a major Broadway production. The show is not expected to recoup its substantial investment.

The Show Must Go On (For a Little Longer)

While Billy Porter’s departure marks a somber note, the final performances of “Cabaret” will proceed with Emcee understudies Marty Lauter and David Merino sharing the role. They will perform alongside Marisha Wallace, who continues her acclaimed portrayal of Sally Bowles. The full cast, including Calvin Leon Smith as Clifford Bradshaw, Steven Skybell as Herr Schultz, Ellen Harvey as Fraulein Schneider, Henry Gottfried as Ernst Ludwig, and Michelle Aravena as Fritzie/Kost, will continue with the production until its final bow on September 21.

A Busy Season on Broadway

The early closing of “Cabaret” adds a notable event to a busy Broadway season. As September unfolds, several new productions are set to premiere, including revivals of classics and new plays. Among the shows slated for September 2025 premieres are Yasmina Reza’s “Art” starring James Corden and Neil Patrick Harris, a new revival of Samuel Beckett’s “Waiting for Godot” featuring Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter, and James Graham’s new play “Punch.” This period also sees ongoing industry news, including various casting updates across different shows, reflecting the dynamic nature of Broadway news and the wider West End theater news landscape.

Final Bow

The closure of “Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club” marks the end of a unique and ambitious Broadway production. The circumstances surrounding its premature exit, driven by a star’s health crisis and underscored by financial pressures, highlight the inherent risks and rewards of large-scale theatrical endeavors. Audiences have until September 21 to experience the immersive world of the Kit Kat Club before the curtains close for the final time on this particular staging.