In conjunction with the Beverly Hills Cultural Affairs Department, Theatre 40 will mount a reading of Gore Vidal's The Best Man as part of the first Beverly Hills Arts Festival. The reading takes place at the Doheny Mansion in Beverly Hills on July 1 at 4.30 PM.

Vidal's drama deals with political conceit and deceit, accusations and incriminations. Its staging is timely because Los Angeles will host the Democratic Convention later this summer.

A new revival of The Best Man starring Spalding Gray is due on Broadway this coming fall.

Beverly Olevin directs for Theatre 40. Her cast includes such Theatre 40 members as Dorothy Sinclair, Laura Scott, Milt Kogen and Stephen Tobolowsky, among others.

The July 1 performance will take place at the Doheny Mansion pool house at the foot of Coldwater Canyon and Doheny Road in Beverly Hills. Tickets and parking are free, but donations will be gratefully accepted. For Beverly Hills Cultural Affairs information call (310) 285-1000. For Theatre 40 information, call (310) 396-2325. -- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent