The Broadway revival of Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, featuring Big Brother alum Marisha Wallace, is ending earlier than scheduled due to lead actor Billy Porter’s illness. The final performance at the August Wilson Theatre will now be on September 21, a month ahead of the initial closing date of October 19. Porter had to step away from the production after being hospitalized with sepsis.
Understudies Marty Lauter and David Merino will take on the role of the Emcee for the remaining shows. Producer Adam Speers expressed regret over the decision to end the Broadway run early but commended Porter’s exceptional performance in the production.
Wallace, a former Celebrity Big Brother contestant, made her debut in July and is one of the first Black actors to portray the Emcee and Sally Bowles on Broadway alongside Porter. Despite 592 performances, attendance has significantly declined since midsummer.
Additionally, a lawsuit has been filed by investor James Lorenzo Walker Jr. on September 4, accusing producers of financial misconduct related to the $24 million revival. Walker alleges that despite investing $50,000, the show generated over $90 million but failed to provide returns, citing opaque financial practices by the producers.
The producers have refuted the allegations, stating that the production has not been profitable enough to distribute funds to investors but are willing to share financial records. The legal proceedings are ongoing, with all accusations considered as claims at this stage.