The second rialto revival of "Hair" is poised to do something that neither the original 1968 production nor the short-lived 1977 remounting could do -- win a Tony Award. This production of "Hair" first played in Central Park last summer as part of the Public Theater's long-running commitment to free theater. Buoyed by rave reviews, the show transferred to the Hirschfeld Theatre and opened last night to equally ecstatic notices.

With the other three musical revivals of the season --  "Pal Joey," "Guys and Dolls" and "West Side Story" -- receiving mixed reviews at best,  "Hair" is likely to take the top Tony Award. And "Hair" may well contend in other categories as critics hailed the innovative direction of Broadway newcomer Diane Paulus and the performances by one-time Tony nominee Gavin Creel ("Thoroughly Modern Millie") and new leading man Will Swenson, among others.

In her four-star review of "Hair," Elysa Gardner of USA Today said, "All the performers are at once technically supple singers and superb musical actors. The empty showmanship so prevalent in pop and musical theater would seem particularly out of place among 'Hair's' earthy young men and women. When Gavin Creel's Claude sings 'Where Do I Go,' or Caissie Levy, as the feisty but vulnerable Sheila, delivers a stunning 'Easy to Be Hard,' we believe every word and feel every note. This graceful earnestness is complemented by an equally authentic sense of humor and mischief. Will Swenson's feral Berger and Darius Nichols' sly, bracing Hud are delightful, and Andrew Kober has a priceless turn as a visitor from another generation."

And Ben Brantley of the New York Times thought, "Mr. Creel does not dominate the show; nor does the terrific Mr. Swenson, who finds an edge of cruelty and desperation in the grandstanding Berger; nor does Caissie Levy (an excellent new addition to the cast) as the earnest politico Sheila, the woman both men sort of love. Every single ensemble member emerges as an individual, each with specific issues and knotty histories that no drug or slogan can resolve."

Back in 1968, "Hair" transferred to Broadway after an acclaimed Off-Broadway run. Staid theater critics did not know what to make of a show subtitled "the American tribal love rock musical." Though a hit with the public, this original production -- which ran more than four years -- earned only two Tony Award nominations. It lost the race for best musical to "1776" -- a history lesson set to song -- while "Hair" helmer Tom O'Horgan was bested by that show's director Peter Hunt.

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Photo: Hirschfeld Theatre

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