ARTICLE: Melbourne     Just a song and dance at 'Sunset' By Jason Steger of The Sunday Age 27 October 1996 IT WAS the worst of weeks and the best of nights. As Andrew Lloyd Webber's 'Sunset Boulevard' made its glittering Melbourne debut last night, the thoughts of cast, crew and audience were with musical director Brian Stacey, so tragically killed in a road accident in the early hours of Friday morning. His death rocked a show already shaken earlier in the week by leading lady Debra Byrne's illness and the forced cancellation of two previews. As if doubt over the star's fitness for the opening night were not enough, the loss of the musical director hours before opening might have been the final blow to the $15 million production. But, in keeping with tradition, the show went on. Mr Stacey's partner, Kathryn Sadler, and his daughter, Mindy, both said he would have wanted it. And 'Sunset Boulevard', like the film on which it is based, is the apotheosis of showbiz. Before the curtain rose on the gothic splendor of the $7.8 million sets, the managing director of the Really Useful Company, Mr Tim McFarlane, appeared on stage to dedicate the Melbourne run to the memory of Mr Stacey. It was a poignant moment on a night of glitz and glamor peopled with politicians, stars, celebrities and freeloaders, all happy to be at the theatrical event of the year. It was a touch of Broadway on a cordoned-off Collins Street. To the sounds of a '40s jazz band, under the glare of spotlights, TV cameras and the watchful eyes of star-spotters and security men, everyone who was anyone made a very exposed entry to the most ornate theatre in town. The Howards, the Kennetts, the Marriners. Anthony Warlow, Marina Prior, a raft of soapie stars and, inevitably, an abundance of media personalities. And didn't they love it. Yes, it was a largely invited audience - only 300 people out of an audience of 1960 had to shell out for the privilege - but they did all that was required of them: whooping and cheering, gasping and gawping. The Prime Minister, Mr John Howard, talked about Melbourne as a great world entertainment capital while the Premier, Mr Jeff Kennett, who led the standing ovation after the show, said it was "good for Australia". Comedian Richard Stubbs said he "loved a bit of a singalong". And, after the final curtain call, after the last cheer had drifted out, the audience, whether prince or pauper, was treated to a glass of champagne in the foyer. For some that was the end of the evening; for others it was just the start. About 1400 made their way to a Plaza ballroom to celebrate a show - and a life. As Ms Byrne said after Mr Stacey was killed: "He's with us, his love of music's with us and we won't let him down."