Broadway icon Andrew Lloyd Webber revealed on Saturday that his eldest son is critically ill with stomach cancer.
In a statement, the famous English composer and theater impresario said he is “absolutely devastated” by his son Nick’s condition.
“As my friends and family know, he has been battling stomach cancer for the past 18 months and Nick is now in hospital,” he said.
Webber said because of his son’s hospitalization, he has been unable to attend recent previews for his newest Broadway musical, “Bad Cinderella,” and may not be able to go to opening night this Thursday.
“We are all praying for Nick’s turnaround. He is fighting bravely with his irrepressible sense of humor, but at the moment my place is with him and the family,” Webber said.
Best known for Broadway shows like “Cats” and “The Phantom of the Opera,” Webber is an EGOT recipient, “having received an Emmy, four Grammys, an Oscar and eight Tony Awards,” according to his website.
Webber was also knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1992 for his contribution to theatre.
His latest musical, “Bad Cinderella,” is an updated version of Cinderella, in which the princess is a nonconformist who rebels against traditional norms of beauty and behavior.
The series stars Linedy Genao, making her the first Latina to star in an Andrew Lloyd Webber musical.