Cabaret’s Broadway Run Ends Early Amidst Billy Porter’s Health Crisis and Financial Headwinds

The celebrated Broadway revival of Cabaret will dim its lights significantly sooner than anticipated, with its final performance scheduled for September 21, 2025. This premature closing comes as lead actor Billy Porter has been forced to withdraw from his role as the Emcee due to a serious health condition. The production at the August Wilson Theatre, which was initially slated to run until October 19, will now conclude its engagement nearly a month ahead of schedule, marking an abrupt end to its Broadway journey.

Billy Porter’s Unexpected Departure

The primary catalyst for this sudden closure appears to be the withdrawal of Tony Award winner Billy Porter, who has been battling a “serious case of sepsis.” Producers confirmed that while Porter is expected to make a full recovery, his doctors have advised a period of rest, necessitating his departure from the production. Porter, who began his limited engagement as the Emcee in July, had been a significant draw for the show. His health situation means the role will be covered by alternates Marty Lauter and David Merino for the final two weeks of the run.

Porter’s departure has been framed as a deeply personal one, especially given his prior expressed desire to play the iconic Emcee role, a chance he was denied in a 1998 revival.

A Difficult Decision: Early Closing Announced

Producer Adam Speers stated that the decision to close the show early was “painful” and made with “a heavy heart.” By its final performance on September 21, Cabaret will have played 18 preview and 592 regular performances, totaling 610 performances since its April 2024 opening. This accelerated conclusion contrasts with the show’s critically lauded and ongoing success in London’s West End, which has been running for several years.

Financial Realities and Creative Ambition

The Broadway iteration of Cabaret was ambitious, transforming the August Wilson Theatre into an immersive Kit Kat Club at a reported cost of $23 million. Despite critical acclaim, including a Tony Award for scenic design and nine nominations, the production has struggled to achieve sustainable box office performance. Reports indicate that weekly running costs were around $1.5 million, and by late August, the show was generating just over half a million dollars weekly – a figure deemed unsustainable for a production of its scale. While the show grossed over $90 million since its opening, its momentum reportedly faltered after initial star Eddie Redmayne’s departure. Adding to the backstage drama, one investor has accused the lead producers of financial mismanagement and a lack of transparency.

The Enduring Allure of the Kit Kat Club

Despite the challenges, the production itself has been widely praised for its inventive staging and immersive experience, transporting audiences to Weimar-era Berlin. Critics have lauded the production for its “ravishing, gut-punching, timely revival” and “unforgettable and jaw-dropping experience.” Marisha Wallace will continue her role as Sally Bowles through the final performances.

The closure of this notable Broadway news event underscores the volatile economic landscape of live theater. While this specific production concludes, the enduring legacy of Kander and Ebb’s Cabaret continues, with the West End production remaining a significant draw. The casting news and subsequent developments surrounding this production have been closely watched within the theater news circuit, highlighting both the artistic triumphs and the commercial pressures inherent in the industry.

For those seeking to experience this iteration of Cabaret, the final performances are scheduled through September 21. The future of the musical’s creative team and performers will unfold as this chapter of Broadway news closes.