KISS THE HIBISCUS GOODNIGHT

Mini dolce vita on a fictional Caribbean isle but, with all the pretty exotica and glittery people, more decorative than vital. ``The hibiscus live only for one day. Then we kiss them good night.'' The good night, here, for arty pros, enterprising natives of the island, crocks and cranks and young things, is a hurricane- -its thrilling progress viewed in impressive detail. Among the off-islanders, permanently or temporarily settled on Jordralia—the exquisite jeweled island of turquoise bay, lush emerald greens, and masses of tropical flowers—are Margo Eveningstar, world-famous decorator who wears a poodle skirt to a party (``Who does she think she is, Sandra Dee?''); her second-in- command, Christian, who's father of young Ian and the husband of not-nice Amanda the designer (who's discovered the endowments and energy of native boatman Apollo); an ersatz baroness whose accent changes every few minutes; and designer Alfredo, a droll troll (gay slang is dribbled here and there) who is arrested for the murder of a young man of talent in design. We'll find out who did it, but with all the chatter (``Veronica, you're so noir tonight!''), the astonishing scenery, and churning of convivial groups, plus the storm, the murder barely simmers on the back burner. Shiny bright, often entertaining—and ephemeral.