‘Boulevard’s’ road to B’way

THURSDAY. “Sunset Boulevard” opens. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s fourth musical currently on Broadway. His goodluck present should be roller skates.

Back when movie seats cost four bucks and for the stage $200, Patti

LuPone created B’way’s faded reclusive silent-film star Norma Desmond in “Sunset Boulevard.”

Glenn Close subsequently replaced LuPone. The resulting feud? Grittier than the hate between NBC-TV and new ex Tamron Hall. In 1994, Glenn Close became as associated with “Sunset Boulevard” as Gloria Swanson, who swanned through the original 1950 Billy Wilder film stuffed with names like William Holden and Erich von Stroheim.

It won Glenn’s third Tony. With so many shows then in lights — like “Show Boat,” “The Glass Menagerie,” “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” and “Love! Valour! Compassion!” — it wasn’t a bad season.

LA celebrated on the Paramount soundstage, where Swanson’s film shot. Guests included President Reagan, Lana Turner. NYC partied at the Rainbow Room. Thursday, costumed “Phantom,” “Cats,” and “School of Rock” cast members will hit the Palace for a por- trait. Norma Desmond will be in the shot. And the after-party booze will flow at Cipriani.

Film version rumblings have Glenn playing Norma.

American Theatre Wing’s hosting tonight’s VIP pre-performance gala. A piano will be there — so who knows, maybe His Lordship will plink out a fifth production. His wife, Madeleine, will also be there. Family members will also be there. Missing only will be Andrew’s four cats.

NEW York’s unique. Where else can you buy mutual funds with your welfare check? Only in New York, kids, only in New York.