Broadway’s ‘Cabaret’ Curtains Closing Early as Billy Porter Battles Sepsis

I’m Sage Matthews, a seasoned observer of the world’s downward spiral, and I’m here to guide you through the latest catastrophe. As I sit here at 2 AM, shaking my head and muttering, “Of course this happened,” I’m reminded that even the brightest stars can fall victim to the universe’s relentless cruelty. And so, it seems that Billy Porter’s remarkable run as the Emcee in Broadway’s ‘Cabaret’ has come to an abrupt end – not because of a rival’s sabotage or a dramatic on-stage mishap, but due to a serious case of sepsis that’s left him no choice but to withdraw from the production.

The news broke on Sunday via an Instagram statement from the producers, confirming that Porter’s doctors have advised him to maintain a restful schedule to ensure a full recovery. Sepsis, a condition in which the body responds improperly to an infection, is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition – one that even the most talented and resilient individuals can’t simply “act” their way out of. According to the Mayo Clinic, sepsis can cause the body’s organs to work poorly, and it’s a testament to the severity of Porter’s condition that his doctors have deemed it necessary for him to take a step back from the demanding schedule of a Broadway show.

As a result, the ‘Cabaret’ revival will now close its curtains four weeks early, with its final performance scheduled for September 21 at the August Wilson Theater. The show, which began its Broadway run in April 2024 with Eddie Redmayne and Gayle Rankin in the lead roles, has been a highly anticipated revival of the classic John Kander and Fred Ebb musical. The original production opened on Broadway in 1966, and a film adaptation starring Liza Minnelli and Michael York was released in 1972. The story follows the nightlife at the Kit Kat Klub in Berlin during the Nazi party’s rise to power, a timely and thought-provoking theme that has resonated with audiences.

In a statement, producer Adam Speers of ATG Productions expressed his gratitude for Porter’s contributions to the show, saying, “Billy was an extraordinary Emcee, bringing his signature passion and remarkable talent.” Speers also announced that Marty Lauter and David Merino will replace Porter in the role of Emcee for the final two weeks of performances. The producers have extended an invitation to audiences to return to the Kit Kat Club one last time to see Marisha Wallace as ‘Sally Bowles’ alongside Lauter and Merino.

This isn’t the first time that ‘Cabaret’ has faced challenges – The Hollywood Reporter notes that the expensive revival has been struggling with declining box office sales, with capacity falling to just below 70 percent in recent weeks and grosses hovering around $500,000. Despite these challenges, Porter had expressed his enthusiasm for the role and the show in an interview with People in July, saying, “I feel really great to be doing this… This show in particular, at this time in American history, it’s really important for me.” He also spoke about the power of art to heal and transform, and it’s clear that his passion and dedication have left a lasting impact on the production.

As I reflect on this news, I’m reminded that even the most talented and resilient individuals can fall victim to the universe’s whims. And so, we bid farewell to Billy Porter’s remarkable run as the Emcee, and we can only hope that his recovery will be swift and complete. For now, let’s take a moment to appreciate the art that he brought to the stage, and to acknowledge the challenges that the ‘Cabaret’ revival has faced.

In the end, it’s a sobering reminder that even the brightest stars can fade – but their impact can live on, a testament to the power of art to touch our hearts and minds. And so, as we close the curtains on this chapter of ‘Cabaret,’ we can only hope that the show will continue to inspire and captivate audiences in the years to come.

Sources: Celebrity Storm and New York Post, People Magazine, The Hollywood Reporter, Mayo Clinic
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed