A frightening moment unfolded on Broadway when an actor collapsed mid-performance during Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club.
On Friday night, September 12, understudy Price Waldman, who was covering the role of Herr Schultz, suddenly froze on stage during Act 1. The incident happened just before the musical number “Don’t Tell Mama,” leaving both the cast and audience in shock.
The house lights immediately went up, and a stage manager escorted Waldman off stage. Audience members were told to remain in their seats, and the bar was closed. Waldman was taken by ambulance to a local hospital, where sources said he was “doing okay.” A later announcement confirmed that he was conscious and responsive when he left the theater.
After nearly 30 minutes, the performance resumed with actor Colin Cunliffe stepping in as Schultz. The audience, already on their feet with applause, erupted with even more cheers when Cunliffe took his bow.
The health scare comes on the heels of another major blow for the production. Just days earlier, Tony winner Billy Porter revealed he was withdrawing from the show after being diagnosed with a serious case of sepsis. His doctors expect a full recovery, but producers were forced to make the tough call to end the musical’s run earlier than planned. Cabaret will officially close on September 21 at the August Wilson Theatre after 592 performances.
Porter had been starring as the Emcee, a role he originated in the London revival. In a statement, producer Adam Speers praised Porter as “an extraordinary Emcee” and wished him a speedy recovery. Until closing, the part will rotate between longtime alternates Marty Lauter and David Merino.
Co-star Marisha Wallace, who joined the cast this summer as Sally Bowles, will remain with the production through its final curtain.
Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club has had a storied history, from its original Broadway premiere in 1966 to the iconic 1972 film with Liza Minnelli. This revival first opened in London with Eddie Redmayne and Gayle Rankin, both of whom earned Tony nominations when the show transferred to New York.
Despite the abrupt ending, the production’s legacy is secure. With its timeless score by John Kander and Fred Ebb, and unforgettable songs like “Willkommen,” “Maybe This Time,” and “Cabaret,” the show remains one of the most influential musicals in theater history.