Benefactors Get a ‘Glance’ From Webber

Such a polite party guest, that Andrew Lloyd Webber. He went to his own tribute bearing gifts.

Make that gift --a song from his new work in progress. The hundreds of Music Center benefactors who turned out to pay tribute to him were treated to the debut of “One Small Glance” from his musical version of “Sunset Boulevard.” Elaine Paige, Webber’s original Evita, sang the song, which was written only a week ago and rounded out a program of the composer’s works.

Monday night’s tribute--an invitation-only black-tie affair at the Regent Beverly Wilshire--was a way to thank those who have reached into some very deep pockets to support the Music Center.

The gala brought out Gov. Pete Wilson and wife Gayle, Sylvester Stallone and steady Jennifer Flavin and Madonna, who is slated to play the role of Evita in the film version of Webber’s musical.

(Madonna, looking super-blond and busty in a shimmying little black dress, glided into the ballroom 15 minutes after dinner had started, flanked by security guards who barked “Get back!” at over-eager paparazzi intent on nabbing their prey.)

During a cocktail reception, Webber lauded Los Angeles for becoming more of a “theater town, and one that can sustain a theater production. . . . People were worried about bringing shows here for any length of time before.”

He also was optimistic about the fate of musical theater, despite the recession and dire predictions for its future in the United States and London.

“I am optimistic because I’ve been through this before, in 1974 and 1975,” said Webber, moving and speaking with staccato precision. “Back then, things were much worse than they are now. There were far worse problems with terrorism in London than we have even now. And if you don’t ride it out, you give in.”

The tribute had its share of technical glitches (including an over-active fog machine), but an impressive lineup of talent did justice to the Webber repertoire.

Included in the program were Ben Vereen singing “Jesus Christ Superstar,” Paige reprising her role as Evita for “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” and singing “Memories” from “Cats,” Sarah Brightman (the former Mrs. Webber) doing several numbers from “Phantom of the Opera,” and pop singer Martika singing “AC/DC” from “Starlight Express.”

Nell Carter, Michael Ball, Paul Ainsley, Dale Kristien and Louie Louie rounded out the cast. Also making appearances were Angela Lansbury, Gordon Davidson and the current Phantom, Michael Crawford.

In the audience, seated in the hotel’s ballroom (which was dressed up lavishly in red roses, chandeliers and brocade), were event chairmen Anne and Franklin Johnson, Music Center President Esther Wachtell and husband Tom, Music Center Board of Governors Chairman Ron Arnault, Webber’s wife Madeleine, his longtime lyricist Tim Rice, plus Jane and Michael Eisner, Marilyn and Alan Bergman, Barbara and Marvin Davis, Fred Hayman, and Mary Hart and husband Burt Sugarman.

In presenting the requisite trophy to Webber, Madonna said: “He came from the people, and how they adore him. . . . Now it’s my pleasure to give you this treasure. Andrew? Where are you, you bad boy?”

Webber thanked Madonna and added: “I think I’m going to have an interesting and remarkable collaboration (on the movie ‘Evita’). My goodness, she’s a good girl.”