Tony Award winner Billy Porter has stepped away from the Broadway revival of Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club after being diagnosed with what producers described as a "serious case" of sepsis.
Producers announced on Sunday that Porter's doctors advised him to prioritize rest during his recovery. Although they said he is expected to make a full recovery, Porter, 55, will not return to the role of the Emcee and will vacate performances previously scheduled through Oct. 19. The production will now close ahead of that date, with a final performance planned for Sunday, Sept. 21, at the August Wilson Theatre after a run of 18 previews and 592 regular performances.
ATG Productions producer Adam Speers praised Porter's work in a statement, saying, "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." For the remaining performances, the role of the Emcee will be shared by longtime alternates Marty Lauter and David Merino. Marisha Wallace, who joined the Broadway cast in July after performing alongside Porter in the London staging, will remain with the production through closing.
Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening response to infection that can lead to widespread inflammation and organ dysfunction. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says sepsis requires immediate medical treatment, typically including antibiotics, intravenous fluids and hospital monitoring. Early signs can include fever, rapid heart rate, difficulty breathing or confusion; severe cases can progress to septic shock, which can be fatal without urgent intervention.
Porter has been open about his health history. In 2021 he disclosed that he had been living with HIV since 2007 and has discussed the personal and professional challenges that followed that diagnosis. Over his career he has won a Tony Award and has received an Emmy and a Grammy, and he has been a prominent figure on stage and screen, including a starring role on the television series Pose.
The Broadway production’s schedule adjustment follows the medical guidance provided to Porter. The producers did not provide a detailed medical timeline but said his doctors were confident he would recover if he maintained a restful schedule over the next couple of weeks. No further casting changes were announced beyond the alternates covering the Emcee for the remaining performances.
Representatives for Porter did not immediately provide additional comment on Monday. Ticket holders for performances through the revised closing date were directed to contact the box office for refund or exchange policies.