Slap on your boots, tip your hat and climb in the saddle -- Marin Theatre Company's Cowgirls is ridin' into town.

When a women's classical music trio is accidentally booked into a country-western bar, what else but chaos can ensue? Especially since the ladies attempt to turn their classical training into down-home country songs, transforming themselves from uptight musicians to life-loving fiddlers and singers.

Cowgirls played Off-Broadway in 1994, running for 319 performances and 16 previews at the Minetta Lane Theater (currently housing The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told, through May 2), as well as having been performed by San Diego's Old Globe Theater.

Tony-nominated director staged Eleanor Reissa both incarnations of the twangy musical. She was last seen at the Marin Theatre two seasons ago with Avenue X.

The musical spoof was written by Betsy Howie, Eleanor Reissa and Mary Murfitt, the latter being In the cast of New York, San Diego and Marin productions. Cowgirls begins previews at the Marin Theatre Company May 6, opens May 12 and runs through June 6. Tickets are available at the Marin box office and are $10-$38. For more information or to order by phone call (415) 388-5208.

-- by Becki Heller