The latest production from Britain's Royal Opera is based on the short but sensational life of Playboy playmate turned tabloid superstar /*Anna Nicole*/ Smith, who died aged 39 in 2007.
The company bills the opera as "a celebrity story of our times." But it has raised a few eyebrows with its warning that the show contains sex, drugs and "extreme language."
"Anna Nicole" has music by composer Mark-Anthony Turnage and libretto by Richard Thomas, who co-created "Jerry Springer: The Opera."
Dutch soprano Eva-Maria Westbroek plays Smith.
Only six performances are planned between Thursday and March 4 - and all are sold out.
