Even though Angie Best will be in Belfast with her son Calum for the first night of the Dancing Shoes production at the city's Grand Opera House, no place has been reserved for her at a pre-show function three days later.
Mrs Best said: "I did not know about it because I have not been invited."
Dancing Shoes will follow the key moments of Best's career at the height of European football as well as his troubled personal life.
A celebrity get together during one of the performance nights will feature former Northern Ireland international Norman Whiteside and Best's ex teammates Harry Gregg and Alex Stepney.
The glittering event for the George Best Foundation on July 31 at Belfast's Grand Opera House will be hosted by Sir Michael Parkinson and will also involve a representative from former manager Matt Busby's family.
Guests will take in the performance of Dancing Shoes by Northern Ireland writers Martin Lynch and Marie Jones. It is unclear at this stage whether Calum, 29, will attend.
The foundation has as its patron Professor Roger Williams who treated Best for liver disease. It was established by his sister Barbara McNarry following his death in November 2005 to promote a healthier life among young people through football.
Mrs McNarry said she was not aware of Angie Best's plans for the opening night but added there was no intention to prevent her from going to the gala event.
Mrs McNarry said she was unsure if she herself would attend the show on the opening night as she had a busy schedule but would be there for the Foundation event.
Mrs Best, 57, now lives in Berkshire, England. She met Best in Los Angeles in 1975 and married him three years later. After their marriage broke down in 1986 she became a fitness instructor to the stars, including Cher and Sharon Stone.
She said she was delighted to be going to a performance of Dancing Shoes, although just days before the gala event on July 31.
"I will get very teary because I have a very deep love for George, I just hope, and I am sure they will, do him justice," she added.
She said neither she nor her son expected the east Belfast man to die.
"Things like this keep his memory alive so it warms our hearts," she added.
Mrs McNarry said she was looking forward to seeing the production, which will tour in Great Britain.
"When I saw their commitment and passion and sensitivity I thought there could be something here," she said.
She said watching rehearsals was painful at times.
"All I do is cry every time I see it," she added.
Particularly heartrending scenes included the one when Best left home for England for the first time aged 15.
"I remember that vividly, I was only nine, it was like someone had died in the house," she recalled.
It tells the story of the Northern Ireland sporting genius from his days as a 10-year-old on the streets of east Belfast until his death following a long battle with alcoholism.
She said other key points were when the footballer was told his heavy-drinking mother Anne had died in 1978 as well as a scene in the boot room when George was listening in to a conversation involving manager Sir Matt Busby.
Mrs McNarry said: "I am very pleased and absolutely looking forward to it. They have done a wonderful balanced job. It is very moving, very funny, it is just typical Belfast humour so I am delighted."
Mr Lynch said everything was in place. He added it was extraordinary that out of all the footballers on the planet, the Cregagh estate in east Belfast created one of the four best ever players.
"As a city we are acknowledging, celebrating and enjoying one of our greatest exports," he added.
Dancing Shoes opens at the Grand Opera House Belfast on July 28.