The Broadway revival of 'Cabaret' at the August Wilson Theatre will close on September 21, nearly a month earlier than its original October 19 closing date, due to health issues faced by star Billy Porter.

Billy Porter, who was cast as the Emcee and was scheduled to perform until October 19, had to withdraw early after contracting sepsis, with his doctors expressing confidence in his full recovery.

Alternates Marty Lauter and David Merino will share the role of the Emcee for the final performances, as Porter recovers.

Porter joined the cast in July 2024 and was a prominent figure in the production, which opened in April 2024 and performed 592 shows before closing.

The production, directed by Rebecca Frecknall, was notable for its immersive experience and detailed period design, but struggled to sustain its commercial success.

The show's closure marks a significant end to its run, which began with a high-profile cast including Eddie Redmayne and Gayle Rankin, and featured notable replacements like Adam Lambert.

Despite the Broadway closure, the West End production of 'Cabaret' continues successfully at the Kit Kat Club, booking tickets until March 28, 2026, with upcoming cast changes.

Producers expressed gratitude for the opportunity to bring this version of 'Cabaret' to New York and cited the challenges of recent ticket sales as reasons for closing.

The decision to close early was influenced by declining ticket sales, with capacity dropping below 70%, despite the show's high production costs and critical acclaim, including nine Tony nominations.

Billy Porter has publicly expressed pride in his role and the cultural significance of the production, with hopes to work together again in the future.

The revival's run, which began with performances in April 2024, was costly, with a total stage investment of over $24 million, including theater renovations.

The show's legacy includes its roots in classic works set in 1930s Berlin and its influence on musical theater, despite its relatively short run.