Billy Porter will no longer perform his role as the emcee of the Broadway hit Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club, causing the production to close after being diagnosed with sepsis, PEOPLE reports.
The disease is a life-threatening condition “where the body responds improperly to an infection.”
During its run, which began in April 2024 and continued for 18 preview performances and 592 regular performances, the critically acclaimed Tony Award-winning revival of the classic John Kander and Fred Ebb musical is set at the August Wilson Theatre in New York City on Sunday, Sept. 21.
In a statement, the producers announced the news, describing it as a “painful decision” made with “a heavy heart.”
“His doctors are confident that he will make a full recovery, but have advised him to maintain a restful schedule the next couple of weeks,” the release read.
Billy was an extraordinary Emcee, bringing his signature passion and remarkable talent,” wrote producer Adam Speers, for ATG Productions. “We wish Billy a speedy recovery and I look forward to working with him again in the very near future.”
For the show’s final performances, Marty Lauter and David Merino, the production’s longtime alternates, will rotate as Emcees.
In July, Porter shared his excitement about being a part of the show.
“This show in particular, at this time in American history, it’s really important for me,” said Porter. “Art has the power to heal, art has the power to transform. My art is my calling, my purpose, my ministry, my resistance, my activism, my hope, my joy, my love. It’s everything to me. And so to be able to express myself this way is such a gift and such a blessing.”