Broadway’s Cabaret Paused Mid-Show After Onstage Health Emergency

Broadway’s revival of Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club was dramatically halted on Friday night, September 12, when actor Price Waldman experienced a medical emergency mid-performance. Waldman, who was appearing as Herr Schultz, froze during Act 1 just before the number Don’t Tell Mama, prompting stage management to stop the show.

Theatre staff swiftly brought up the house lights and escorted Waldman off stage. Audience members were asked to remain seated while the bar was temporarily closed. Waldman was taken to a local hospital by ambulance, where he was reported to be alert and responsive. A source later confirmed he is “doing okay,” though no official diagnosis has been shared.

After a pause of nearly 30 minutes, the performance resumed with Colin Cunliffe stepping into the role of Schultz. The audience gave an enthusiastic ovation at curtain call, with applause swelling as Cunliffe took his bow.

This incident comes just days after Billy Porter withdrew from the production following a diagnosis of sepsis. Porter, who had been leading the company as the Emcee, was advised by doctors to step away in order to recover. Producers later announced the production would close earlier than planned, with its final performance now scheduled for Sunday, September 21 at the August Wilson Theatre. The show will have played 18 previews and 592 regular performances on Broadway.

For the remaining performances, the Emcee role will be shared in rotation by Marty Lauter and David Merino, both longtime alternates. Marisha Wallace will continue in the role of Sally Bowles until closing.

Directed by Rebecca Frecknall, this revival of Cabaret first opened in London to acclaim before transferring to Broadway in April 2024. The musical, with music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb, remains one of theatre’s most enduring works, featuring iconic numbers including Willkommen, Maybe This Time, and the title song Cabaret.

Despite its shortened run, this Broadway revival has left a strong impression, with star turns from Eddie Redmayne, Gayle Rankin, and later Adam Lambert and Auli’i Cravalho among its notable cast.