The opera, which has a French language libretto, was co-authored with Bernadette Colomine. It tells the story of Régine Saint Laurent, an aging opera singer attempting to confront her past to again regain her triumphant status as one of the world's greatest sopranos.

Prima Donna had its world premiere at the Palace Theatre in Manchester, England in July 2009 and its North American premiere in June 2010 at the Luminato Festival in Toronto, Canada.

Soprano Janis Kelly will reprise her performance as Régine Saint Laurent in the City Opera production. Full casting and creative team will be announced at a later date.

Wainwright has released a series of acclaimed albums, including Poses, Release the Stars, and his Grammy-nominated Rufus Does Judy At Carnegie Hall. Earlier this year, he appeared at New York City's Lincoln Center as part of the American Songbook series. He has also composed a musical adaptation of Shakespeare Sonnets with director Robert Wilson.