Marty Pasetta

When the clock struck 12 at Birraporetti's restaurant Tuesday night, the cast of "Cinderella"--which had just had its West Coast premiere at the Performing Arts Center--kept right on having a ball. Even Renee Segerstrom, co-chairwoman of the real ball--the "Cinderella Ball" (which was to have been staged Sunday at the Beverly Hills hotel to salute the premiere but was canceled)--seemed to be partying happily ever after, along with the Paris Opera Ballet and its director, Rudolf Nureyev.

Amid all the fanfare of the Globe Royal Gala in London this past week, the Southland has its own elegance this evening at an intimate dinner for 80 at Hotel Bel-Air. Acclaimed actor-director Derek Jacobi will be featured in "A Conversation on the Terrace." It all revolves around the breathless pace for the International Shakespeare Globe Centre now rising on the banks of the Thames.

This year's edition of the Academy Awards promises to be full of surprises--and that's not even counting the opening of envelopes. First, there's the small matter of a strike by the show's writers; and second, Oscar's moving this year from the plush and cozy Dorothy Chandler Pavilion to the less-plush and cavernous Shrine Auditorium. As a result, the 60th annual Academy Awards ceremony Monday (6 p.m.

Accompanied by the popping of flashbulbs, the screams of teen-age girls and the waving of pompons, Pope John Paul II took center stage at the Universal Amphitheater Tuesday and advised an audience of young people that "you who are young bring hope to the world" and urged them to consider careers in the church.

For the arts in Los Angeles, the '80s have been great years--a doubling in support in the last several years. Interestingly, the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce has been in the vanguard--major executives upping the ante not only in the name of free enterprise, but for love of art. Four years ago, Caroline Ahmanson, a woman who turned down the usually coveted chamber presidency, sparked the goal, convincing merchants and business tycoons.

In key. On note. Gordon P. Getty (synonymous with millions) will speak at the spring luncheon meeting of the Hollywood Bowl Patroness Committee on May 7 at the home of Mrs. Clifford W. Lord in Beverly Hills. But not about money. About music. The classical American composer's most prominent work, the complete opera "Plump Jack," will be premiered by the BBC in July at London's Royal Festival Hall. Getty happens to be a friend of Mrs. Stanley R.

During preparations for an Oscarcast in the mid-'70s, Howard W. Koch, the show's producer, became obsessed with luring Greta Garbo out of her then-30-year seclusion for a special appearance. He tried letters, telegrams, flowers and even personal envoys. Nothing worked. The world's most famous recluse decided to stand her ground. As the Oscar telecast approached, Koch was desolate.

Tick. Tick. Tick. In just two days, some of the biggest names in Hollywood--including actor George Clooney and director Stephen Frears--will be working without a safety net as they appear Sunday in "Fail Safe," the first live CBS teleplay in 40 years, though it will be tape-delayed for at 9 p.m. start on the West Coast. A seat-of-your-pants thriller set in the Cold War '60s, "Fail Safe" traces an unfolding crisis triggered by a mistake of international proportions: A U.S.

It seems most fitting that Luminaires will honor Mary Crary with their Vision Award on April 28 at a Celebration Luncheon in the Grand Hall of the Music Center. She founded the support group for the Estelle Doheny Eye Foundation in 1976, and the clan is jubilant that it's reached the $1-million mark in fund-raising. Pam King is benefit chairman, named by Jean Schuur, Luminaires president, who's returning with a Caribbean tan for the affair.