Billy Porter pulls out of Cabaret on Broadway due to ‘serious case of sepsis’
Producers have announced that Cabaret will close early following Porter’s diagnosis, wishing the actor a speedy recovery: "Billy was an extraordinary Emcee"
By Aaron Sugg
Billy Porter has been forced to pull out of the Broadway production of Cabaret due to a “serious case of sepsis,” the show’s producers have confirmed.
Doctors treating the 55-year-old actor, who was set to play the Emcee in the production, say he is expected to make a full recovery but must rest.
In this leading role, Porter would have portrayed the central, enigmatic and gender-nonconforming host of the Kit Kat Club in Cabaret, set in 1930s Berlin before the rise of the Nazis.
“It is with a heavy heart” – Cabaret producers on ending the production early
Following Porter’s withdrawal, Cabaret will close 21 September, nearly a month earlier than planned.
Producer Adam Speers said in a statement, according to Deadline: “It is with a heavy heart that we have made the painful decision to end our Broadway run on September 21. On behalf of all the producers, we’re so honoured 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.”
He continued: “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.”
Producers stressed that the Pose star is on the mend, saying doctors “are confident that he will make a full recovery but have advised him to maintain a restful schedule these next couple of weeks.”
The immersive production, set in 1930s Berlin, originally launched in London’s West End in 2021 with Eddie Redmayne as the Emcee and Jessie Buckley as Sally Bowles. The West End production won critical acclaim and seven Olivier Awards in 2022.
Marty Lauter and David Merino will share the role until the show’s final curtain
The show transferred to Broadway in April 2024 with Redmayne continuing to lead the cast. Since Redmayne’s departure, a string of performers, including Adam Lambert, Orville Peck and Porter, have taken on the role of the Emcee.
Marty Lauter and David Merino will share the role until the show’s final curtain.
Sepsis occurs when the body overreacts to an infection, potentially causing organ failure. While treatable, it can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly.
The announcement comes shortly after Porter was revealed to be starring in the upcoming camp Christmas film Christmas Karma, set to hit UK cinemas on 14 November this festive season, alongside Boy George and Pixie Lott.