NEW YORK - Rock opera came to the sedate Metropolitan Opera House Sunday as The Who performed "Tommy" to a romping, stomping crowd of 4,000 assorted hippies, longhairs and the just curious.

"Tommy," the story of the first 21 years in the life of a deaf, dumb and blind boy, was written and played by the popular British quartet—the first pop attraction presented at the Met.

If the occasional smell of marijuana, the antics of the performers and the thunderous applause were a new scene for the hall that ordinarily features Aida, Carmen or Madam Butterfly, the world of music was none the worst for it.

"This is beautiful, this is beautiful," said Bill Graham, the rock impressario who hosted the performance. "The two worlds are really shaking hands."

For most of the blue-jeaned, T-shirted crowd, it was their first visit to the red- and gold-tiered opera hall, but the action was on stage and there their eyes remained.

Guitarists John Entwistle and Peter Townshend, vocalist Roger Daltrey and drummer Keith Moon brought the house down during the two-hour show, performing concert-opera style in front of a row of gray amplifiers.

Daltrey, twirling his hand mike by its cord, and Townshend, leaping in the air and kicking up his heels, had about this is the range of gestures of many other stars who walk the Met stage—but their lyrics were barely audible in the booming noise.

But, like other Met audiences, most knew the libretto and didn't have to hear all the words.

"Tommy" is not the first or only rock opera, but it is the most popular performed last October at the Fillmore East here.

The Who, who start an American tour Tuesday in Seattle playing hits and new songs, announced they were playing "Tommy" for the last time because they were tired of doing it.

Hopefully, the standing ovation at the conclusion of the performance will make them reconsider.

WHO'S AT THE MET?—"The Who," that's who. Here Roger Daltrey, center, twirls hand mike while drummer Keith Moon and lead guitarist Peter Townshend cut loose Sunday during performance by the British rock group at New York City's normally staid Metropolitan Opera House. (AP Wirephoto)