Anna Nicole Smith's life to get opera treatment

London, Feb 13 (ANI): Former Playboy model Anna Nicole Smith, who died of an accidental drug overdose in 2007, will have an opera based on her life.

Britain's Royal Opera has confirmed plans for a lavish show based on the American who married an elderly oil billionaire.

Mark-Anthony Turnage is writing the story, to be staged in London's Covent Garden in 2011, while Richard Thomas will provide the libretto.

Royal Opera House spokeswoman said that the work was in its early stages.

"It is not going to be tawdry, it is going to be witty, clever, thoughtful and sad," the Sun quoted director of opera Elaine Padmore, as saying.

"In broad outline, it will tell the story of her life, the people who influenced her, her progress...

"Clearly the story is about a woman who met an ancient gentleman in a wheelchair, but it's not going to be a straight narrative.

"Choices have been made about significant moments, selecting which incidents in her life are to be built up," Padmore added.

Padmore said the work was not just a documentary about Smith, but a parable about celebrity. (ANI)