Billy Porter leaves Cabaret after being diagnosed with 'serious case of sepsis'

"A statement posted on social media on 8 September by Broadway's Kit Kat Club, née August Wilson Theatre, explained that Porter would not be returning to the eccentric revival of John Kander and Fred Ebb's musical before it closes on 21 September. was due to run until 19 October with Pose star Billy Porter in the lead role as Emcee, the Master of Ceremonies at seedy Berlin-based venue The Kit Kat Klub. West End star Marisha Wallace starred alongside him as Sally Bowles."

""Due to a serious case of sepsis, Billy Porter must also withdraw from the production. His doctors are confident that he will make a full recovery but have advised him to maintain a restful schedule," reads the official announcement. Sepsis is a life-threatening condition which occurs when your immune system has an extreme reaction to an infection. Marty Lauter, also known as RuPaul's Drag Race star Marcia Marcia Marcia, and theatre star David Merino will fulfill the role of Emcee until the closing date."

Cabaret will close on Broadway on 21 September, almost a month earlier than planned, after lead star Billy Porter was diagnosed with a serious case of sepsis. Porter had missed performances from 30 August to 7 September and will not return before closing; the production had originally been scheduled to run until 19 October. Producers said Porter's doctors expect a full recovery but advised rest. Marty Lauter (also known as RuPaul's Drag Race star Marcia Marcia Marcia) and David Merino will fulfill the role of Emcee until closing. Producer Adam Speers called the decision painful and praised Porter's extraordinary performance, wishing him a speedy recovery.

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