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Andrew Lloyd Webber reveals his eldest son is critically ill with stomach cancer

The English composer and theater impresario said he is "absolutely devastated" by his son's condition and will miss opening night for his new Broadway musical, "Bad Cinderella," to be with his family.
Andrew Lloyd Webber in London in 2009.
Andrew Lloyd Webber in London in 2009.Matt Dunham / AP file

Broadway icon Andrew Lloyd Webber revealed Saturday that his eldest son is critically ill with stomach cancer.

Lloyd Webber, the famed English composer and theater impresario, said in a statement that he is "absolutely devastated" by his son Nick's condition.

"As my friends and family know, he has been fighting gastric cancer for the last 18 months and Nick is now hospitalised," he said.

Lloyd Webber said because of his son's hospitalization, he hasn't been able to attend recent previews for his newest Broadway musical, "Bad Cinderella," and may not be able to go to its opening night this Thursday.

"We are all praying that Nick will turn the corner. He is bravely fighting with his indomitable humour, 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," Lloyd Webber is an EGOT winner, "having received an Emmy, four Grammys, an Oscar and eight Tony Awards," according to his website.

Lloyd Webber was also knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1992 for his contribution to theater.

His newest musical, "Bad Cinderella," is an updated take on Cinderella in which the princess is a nonconformist who rebels against traditional norms of beauty and behavior.

The show stars Linedy Genao in the lead, making her the first Latina to originate a leading role in a Lloyd Webber musical.