It’s a Steamy Night When Actor’s Gang Stages Noisy Benefit

A good cause and loud music lured hundreds of people to 2nd Coming on Friday night for a sweaty benefit for the Actors’ Gang, the 8-year-old Los Angeles theater ensemble led by actor Tim Robbins.

A low ebb in the club scene (or a wave of philanthropy?) may explain the around-the-block lines and valet parking that was full by 10:30. Once inside, the only way to move was like toothpaste through a tube--but what an interesting way to meet people.

Evaporating body fluids were replaced with Coronas, selling briskly at $4 a pop. Oxygen was another rare commodity as clubbers greedily hoarded window space.

Beefy actor John Cusack acted as Gang spokesman as he faced the “Entertainment Tonight” cameras, wearing a bandanna and a big black hat on his head.

Weaving through the throngs were other young Hollywood-ites: Dylan McDermott and Julia Roberts, Hart Bochner, Rae Dawn Chong, Rebecca DeMornay, Alex Winter, Billy Baldwin; singer-musicians Tom Waits, Flea and members of Trulio Disgracias; designer Rachel London and a smattering of agents and studio execs.

Actors’ Gang producer Patti McGuire figured the profits from the event the old-fashioned way: “There are 1,000 people, and they paid $20, so that’s $20,000!”

As the club loaded up, getting past the bouncer-doorman became more and more difficult. Would-be guests had to resort to using their wits, as with the woman who stood behind the ropes and shrieked, “I’m with CAA! I’m with CAA !!”