The Paisley Sisters' Christmas Special, a regional hit in Boston since 1996, is celebrating Christmas in July in Manhattan July 12-13, with private readings to test New York interest in the project. Presented in the frame of a "live color television holiday extravaganza" in 1964, the comic musical concerns a sister singing act -- Connie, Bonnie, Ronnie and Lonnie -- and what happens when one of the girls takes ill ("mysteriously") and is replaced by her rebellious daughter.

The tuner can't help but suggest the daffy world of the longrunning hit, Forever Plaid, except this show has an original score: music by Bret Silverman and lyrics by Silverman, Jim Ansart and Joel Benjamin. Book is by Steven Silverman, Ansart, Benjamin and Bret Silverman. The Silvermans are brothers.

The Paisley Sisters reading features Rebecca Bellingham, Charis Leos, Sheila Rehrig and Amy Rivenbark.

The show had its world premiere at the ICA Theater in Boston in December. 1996. The July 12-13 readings are in preparation for a New York premiere.

The readings are 5:30 PM July 12 and 1 PM and 5:30 PM July 13 at the Producers Club Crowne Theatre, 358 W. 44th St., in Manhattan.

For more information, industry folk may call (617) 292-7770.

-- By Kenneth Jones