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CABARET- 5 * i / I : ;:"-:' If I were putting together a musical revue, Jerry Jackson would be the first guy I'd call. Jackson, writer/director and choreographer of the Tropicana's elegant "Folies Bergere" production, has added another brightly-colored plume to his multi-faceted cap with "Hitz," a hot new 480s-styled music show at the Hacienda. The music covers a wide variety of recognizable hits from the "80s, but the most impressive thing about this surprisingly, easy-to-like show were the seemingly endless stream of clever and colorful costumes and the dancing of Jeanne Houts." Houts, who combines disarming beauty with the kind of dancing reminiscent of a young Juliet Prowse, is centerstage for a major portion of the hour and 27-minute production and with good reason. She is strong, graceful and flawless, making even the most difficult lifts, turns and steps seem effortless. She is complemented nicely by adagio partner Barry Morgan. "This is sort of an MTV in a showroom," said Jackson, making a astute analogy. "I think MTV has replaced the variety show on American television, so our show is really just an extention of what the viewing public is accustomed to seeing at home." And while some of the costuming was made locally by Bob Michaels, credit Jackson's keen eye for some of the flash. "We did not have a large budget," said the creative UCLA grad. "In fact, I found some of the costumes at bargain shops on Melrose Ave. in Los Angeles." Jackson was also quick to praise the scenery design by Bob Kiernan, who certainly made the most of his first opportunity in that field. Kiernan spent seven years as Frank Sinatra's lighting director but willingly accepted a chance to expand his talents into the set designs. "The show was harder to do at this point in the '80s than it would have been a few years ago," said Jackson. "There are more songs. As it stands there are about 50 songs in the show and we had a tough time choosing which ones to keep." He made good selections, however, it might be a good idea to add something from Prince's collection at a later point. After all, His Pur- pleness, despite his controversy, has been a major force in '80s music. "Hitz" does have some down moments, a weak opening song and a corny Cyndi Lauper number ("Girls Just Want to Have Fun"), both of which seem to break the rhythm of the show. However, the pluses far outweigh the minuses. Vocals of lead singers Richie Sacks and Marilyn Kaye are generally well done, although each has some ups and downs due to the wide range of material. Again, Jackson's genius and ingenuity in conception and costuming as well as the many different set backdrops give "Hitz" the look of a show mounted from a much larger budget. At $8.95, this small revue rates as one of the best bargains in town, as well as a pleasant surprise on stage. Give it 3 ***'s and a visit next time you're in town. ?╟÷Ron Delpit FLIRTY DANCING?╟÷"Hitz" stars Jeanne Houts and Barry Morgan