Billy Porter Steps Down From ’Cabaret‘ Role Due to Sepsis Diagnosis, Broadway Run to End Early
Billy Porter has exited his role as the Emcee in Cabaret on Broadway after being diagnosed with sepsis, producers announced today. The show’s final 13 weeks were to be led by Porter and Marisha Wallace as Sally Bowles, but the production will now conclude its run on May 5th, two weeks earlier than previously scheduled.Marty Lauter and David Merino will share the role of the Emcee for the remaining performances, while Wallace will continue as Bowles.The early closure marks the end of a critically acclaimed revival of the Kander and Ebb musical, which opened in April 2022 and transformed the August Wilson Theater into the immersive Kit Kat Club. Porter’s illness and the show’s subsequent curtailment come as the production has garnered attention for its innovative casting choices and in-character performances by its leads, including Eddie Redmayne and Orville Peck prior to Porter.
“It is with a heavy heart that we have made the painful decision to end our Broadway run,” producer Adam Speers said in a statement. “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 added, “Billy was an extraordinary Emcee, bringing his signature passion and remarkable talent. We wish Billy a speedy recovery, and I look forward to working with him again in the very near future.”
cabaret at the kit kat Club has been notable for the distinct interpretations brought to the Emcee role by its actors. Redmayne’s in-character appearance at last year’s Tony Awards sparked online discussion,while Peck recently removed his signature mask during performances,stating,”The mask is part of my expression personally as an artist and a very big personal part of me,” but emphasizing his commitment to the role.”But I’m here to play this role and to bring respect and integrity and hopefully a good performance to it. It’s not about me. I’m not trying to make it the Orville Peck show.”
