Broadway and West End composer Andrew Lloyd Webber revealed Saturday that his 43-year-old son Nicholas is “critically ill” with stomach cancer.
The “Phantom of the Opera” composer says his son, Nicholas, has been suffering from the illness for the last 18 months, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
“I am absolutely devastated to say that my eldest son Nick is critically ill,” the 74-year-old said in a statement. “As my friends and family know, he has been fighting gastric cancer for the last 18 months and Nick is now hospitalized.”
Nicholas Lloyd Webber is a Grammy-nominated composer who is known for his work on the British show “Love, Lies and Records” and the film “The Last Stop.”
Alongside his father, the eldest child served as producer on the original cast album of “Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cinderella” in 2021 which earned him the nomination.
“We are all praying that Nick will turn the corner,” his father’s statement continued. “He is bravely fighting with his indomitable humor, but at the moment my place is with him and the family.”
The “Cats” composer was set to be in New York City this week to attend the opening night of “Bad Cinderella” — a reworked version of the 2021 musical — but revealed that he would not attend due to his son’s condition.
“I will not be able to cheer on its wonderful cast, crew and orchestra on Opening Night,” said Lloyd Webber revealing his son’s illness was also why he was not at any of the show’s previews.
The opening of the show comes as Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical “The Phantom of the Opera” ends its legendary run on Broadway in April.
Lloyd Webber also revealed that he was helping write the music for the coronation of King Charles which is scheduled to take place on May 6.
“I have scored it for the Westminster Abbey choir and organ, the ceremonial brass and orchestra. I hope my anthem reflects this joyful occasion,” said Lloyd Webber.
Webber’s “Bad Cinderella” is a modern retelling of the classic fairytale that is told through the lens of unrealistic beauty standards and is slated to open at Broadway’s Imperial Theatre on Wednesday.