Tom Jones, co-author of The Fantasticks, is testing out his latest musical, Harold & Maude, based on the cult film, in a Nov. 27 reading in Manhattan.

Unlike pervasive "private industry readings," the 7:30 PM Nov. 27 reading at the York Theatre Company's digs at The Theatre at St. Peter's is free and open to the public.

Estelle Parsons is Maude, the eccentric senior citizen who attends the funerals of strangers. Book, lyrics and direction are by Jones, with music by Billy Goldenberg (Ballroom). Penny Fuller plays Harold's mother, Marc O'Donnell is Harold.

Hal Ashby directed the 1972 dark film comedy that has become a cult favorite. In the picture, Bud Cort played Maude's suicidal, 20-year-old love interest. Maude, aged 79, was played by theatre legend Ruth Gordon. Colin Higgins wrote the screenplay.

York Theatre Company, devoted to musicals, presents in the Theatre at St. Peter's Church in the Citigroup Center (619 Lexington Avenue at 54th Street). To make reservations for the reading, call (212) 935-5824 ext. 24. — By Kenneth Jones