The Roundabout revival of Craig Lucas' bittersweet romantic comedy "Prelude to a Kiss" opened Thursday to solid reviews that should ensure it a slot, if not a shot, in the revival category at June's Tony Awards. Writing for the New York Times, Charles Isherwood says the show "mines plenty of humor, and a measure of sweetness, too, from Peter’s uncomfortable discovery that the soul of the comely young woman he fell in love with now inhabits the fast-decaying body of an old man." As that surprise object of affection, "John Mahoney, best known for his wry Martin Crane on 'Frasier,' is an admirably unsentimental actor whose economy of means works well for him here." For Clive Barnes of the New York Post, "Daniel Sullivan's direction puts a closer emphasis on the mysterious old man, originally played by the late great Barnard Hughes, and now receiving a perfect performance of agonized befuddlement from the great John Mahoney, far too long absent from the New York stage."

Indeed Mahoney, 66, who only began acting in his late 30s, was a Tony winner for his 1986 Broadway debut in John Guare's surreal farce "The House of Blue Leaves." This year, he may well add a matching Tony bookend. Surprisingly, he was only nominated twice for the Emmy in the 11-year run of "Frasier" with castmate David Hyde-Pierce's portrayal of fuss-budget Niles dominating the supporting category with four wins out of 11 nods. Hyde-Pierce is also likely to be at the Tonys this year but, fear not, Mahoney, he will be up for lead actor in a musical for his turn as a singing detective in "Curtains."

The original 1990 production of "Prelude" was nominated for best play (it lost to "The Grapes of Wrath") and best actress (Mary-Louise Parker, who lost to Maggie Smith in "Lettice and Lovage") at the Tonys.

Photo: Literally, the "Prelude to a Kiss" as John Mahoney (l) moves in on new bride Anne Parisse as hapless hubby Alan Tudyk looks on. (Roundabout Theater)