“Cabaret to conclude Broadway run featuring Black leads Billy Porter and Marisha Wallace.”

Broadway’s acclaimed revival of “Cabaret” is set to conclude on October 19, 2024, following a successful 14-month run at the August Wilson Theatre. This production, known for its immersive experience at the Kit Kat Club, will bid farewell with a noteworthy final casting announcement. Billy Porter and Marisha Wallace will transition into the lead roles of Emcee and Sally Bowles, respectively, starting July 22. Both performers have recently captivated audiences in the West End production of the musical.

This casting marks a historic moment, as it will be the first time that two Black actors have taken on the central roles in “Cabaret.” Porter, a multi-talented artist who has won Emmy, Grammy, and Tony awards, returns to Broadway for the first time since his performance in the 2016 production of “Shuffle Along, or the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed.” He has previously made a significant impact on the theater landscape, becoming a part of the producing team behind the Tony Award-winning musical “A Strange Loop” in 2022.

In addition to Porter, Marisha Wallace is making her much-anticipated return to Broadway. She earned recognition in the original productions of “Aladdin” and “Something Rotten!” and has since gained acclaim in London’s theater scene. Wallace’s portrayal of Effie in the Olivier Award-winning production of “Dreamgirls” solidified her standing as a formidable talent. Her previous highlights also include starring roles in “Waitress,” “Hairspray,” and “Oklahoma!”

Director Rebecca Frecknall expressed enthusiasm for the new lead casting, stating that welcoming Porter and Wallace for the final weeks of the production is a fitting tribute to the show’s successful run. The fresh energy they bring is anticipated to resonate with Broadway audiences, especially as they captured hearts during their previous performances.

“Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club” explores the story of a bisexual American writer falling for a nightclub performer amid the rise of the Nazi regime in Germany, drawing inspiration from Christopher Isherwood’s vivid tales. The production transforms the theater into an immersive burlesque venue that recreates the vibrant yet tumultuous atmosphere of 1930s Berlin.

As the show approaches its final performances, both audience members and critics alike are eager to witness this historic collaboration, which promises to celebrate the essence of “Cabaret” while making a lasting impact on Broadway history.