The Scene: The opening-night party Wednesday for...

The Scene: The opening-night party Wednesday for “Hurlyburly,” writer/director David Rabe’s savage look at Hollywood. After the 3 1/2-hour-plus performance at the Westwood Playhouse, guests repaired to Twenty/20 in Century City.

The Buzz: “Are they here yet?” guests demanded of Sean Penn and Madonna, still Hollywood’s favorite fun couple (although they were eclipsed for a time by on-again, off-againers Robin Givens and Mike Tyson). Penn starred in the play; Madonna was in the audience with very close gal pal Sandra Bernhard. The couple were whisked into the party so quickly and quietly that no one really noticed.

Who was there: Sean and Madonna; Sylvester Stallone and four bodyguards; Rabe and wife Jill Clayburgh; Penny Marshall; Gary Busey; Robert Downey Jr.; Scott Valentine; Robert Townsend; Michael Pare; Randy Newman; “Head of the Class” star Kimberly Russell; “Frank’s Place” star Don Yesso; and Jacqueline Stallone, Sly’s mother, clad in a red beaded racing jacket with black satin slacks.

Dress mode: Black tie optional, emphasis on the optional. Most opted for Wall Street drag or black leather. In the crowded club, black leather didn’t breathe well. Neither did the guests.

Justine Bateman Watch: The party girl nonpareil did not disappoint, showing up with her steady, Leif Garrett.

I Spy: Sylvester Stallone in the men’s room, splashing water over his hands. He refused the attendant’s offer of a towel in favor of running his wet palms through his hair before exiting.

Chow: Mini cheeseburgers, angel hair pasta, salmon, chocolate cake, tarts, and tortes.

Entertainment: Watching fashion videos on a TV set over the bar, trying to get into the private A-list party for cast and close friends who were sequestered in an adjoining room (a cinch to enter if you used the kitchen entrance), and dancing to Whitney Houston and Prince discs in the main room.

Triumphs: Getting such a large and big-name crowd out so late on a week night. (The party officially began at 11 p.m.)

Glitches: Sean Penn was kept under tighter wraps than Dan Quayle in the party-within-a-party. He finally emerged at 12:20 a.m. for a few mumbled words to the press near the front door. So as not to disturb Penn, security guards blocked the lobby on both ends, with guests prevented from entering or exiting.

Trendwatch: More men’s boots per capita than Gilley’s and Altamont put together.