Broadway's Cabaret Closing Early After Billy Porter Exits with Sepsis

The Broadway revival of Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club will close earlier than planned, with its final performance now set for September 21, instead of the originally scheduled October 19. This decision follows the withdrawal of star Billy Porter, who plays the Emcee, due to a serious case of sepsis, though he is expected to make a full recovery. Producer Adam Speers expressed regret over the early closure but praised Porter's extraordinary performance and invited audiences to see the show’s final run featuring Marisha Wallace as Sally Bowles and alternates Marty Lauter and David Merino sharing the Emcee role. The production, which opened in April 2024 and has played 18 previews and 592 regular performances, faced challenges including high running costs and declining ticket sales. Despite its success in London's West End, the Broadway iteration struggled financially, leading to the decision to end the run early. The cast also includes Calvin Leon Smith, Steven Skybell, Ellen Harvey, and others who have contributed to the show's acclaimed performances.