Truman Capote. (File Photo)

Theatre bosses behind the new Broadway adaptation of Breakfast at Tiffany's wanted to have Truman Capote's ashes flown to New York City for opening night.

Game of Thrones star Emilia Clarke tackles the iconic role of Holly Golightly, made famous by Audrey Hepburn in the 1961 film, in a new stage adaptation of Capote's novella which opened in New York on Wednesday night.

Executives behind the play have now revealed they wanted to have the author's ashes flown to the city for its big launch, but the plan was foiled over fears the urn was at risk of being stolen.

Capote's ashes are kept by his longtime friend Joanne Carson, ex-wife of legendary entertainer Johnny Carson, at her home in California, and have been targeted by thieves in the past.

A representative for Breakfast At Tiffany's tells New York Post gossip column Page Six, "We did try to get him here. Joanne says he always wanted to (see) Holly Golightly open on Broadway, and we thought it would have been poignant for the entire company. I think ultimately the risk of theft was just too high, but he was certainly there in spirit."

Capote's ashes were previously taken from Carson's house during a party in 1988, but were subsequently returned, while another potential theft was thwarted several years later when the urn was grabbed during a bash for a play about the acclaimed writer.

In Cold Blood author Capote died in 1984.