The producers of the revival of "Cabaret" have announced plans to conclude the New York run on October 19, coinciding with the end of Billy Porter's engagement in the role of the Emcee.
Billy Porter, a Tony Award winner for "Kinky Boots" and known for his role in the television series "Pose," will reprise his performance in the New York production, which begins on July 22, alongside Marisha Wallace as Sally Bowles.
The New York production, which opened in the spring of 2024 and initially starred Eddie Redmayne, received nine Tony Award nominations, winning one for scenic design. The August Wilson Theater was transformed into a club-like atmosphere, featuring preshow performances and seating arrangements that enhanced the immersive experience.
While the show has enjoyed success in London, where it received multiple Olivier Awards, the reception in New York has been mixed. Critics, including Jesse Green of The New York Times, have described the direction by Rebecca Frecknall as "misguided." Although the production saw strong ticket sales with Redmayne, it has faced challenges since, with weekly grosses dropping from a peak of $2 million in May 2024 to $763,000 last week.
The show is noted for its high production costs, with an estimated capitalization of up to $26 million, as reported in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. It has yet to recoup these costs.
Featuring music by John Kander, a book by Joe Masteroff, and lyrics by Fred Ebb, "Cabaret" is a classic that first premiered on Broadway in 1966 and has been revived three times since. It was also adapted into a film in 1972, which starred Joel Grey as the Emcee in both the film and the initial Broadway productions.