Darcy’s hand finally stills, and I bump my knee against his. He’s been a solid wingman on these recruiting trips, though before tonight I’ve only brought him along to negotiate with musical acts Jane has scouted. He’s come a long way since the night we met, but for him, sitting across from a woman clad only in pasties and a G-string—when that woman isn’t me, anyway—still feels like an intrusion.

But Diva’s bone-and-flower motif wasn’t limited to her face. Her peel gradually revealed a painted skeleton, the white body paint illuminated by a blacklight onstage. The contrast against her dark skin was so dramatic, she looked like an improbably buxom wraith. Even this close, she appears to be wearing a skeleton costume. The illusion is probably why Darcy is more at ease.

“Ming’s given me a heads-up on the drama,” says Diva. “I promise to keep it on the DL, so no worries.” She mimes zipping her mouth shut. The skeletal grin painted over her lips makes the gesture alarmingly realistic.

“Thank you,” I say. “It’ll all get out eventually, but the discretion is appreciated.”

She scoops the pile of discarded rhinestones from the table to her palm. “I have a few shows booked further out than your opening night, so shoot me a schedule and I’ll see if there are any conflicts. If you guys can promise a regular gig, you’ve got me.”

She stands, gesturing to her body paint. “If you’ll excuse me, I have a date with a hose. Shut up, Ming,” she adds, not even looking at the other dancer, whose low chuckle is already rumbling with filth.

With Diva sorted, we turn our attention to Momma, the show’s producer and emcee. Ming insisted we arrive on time to catch Momma’s opening number, and I’m glad she did. The towering drag queen burst onto the stage with a full-bodied performance of “When You’re Good to Mama” that had me itching to hand her a contract, and her version of “Fever,” punctuated with deadpan asides about the questionable couples referenced in the song, got more laughs than most of Johnny’s standards. Her commentary on Pocahontas and Captain Smith had Darcy wiping away tears.

“Anything on your mind, or did you just ask me to sit down so I wouldn’t think you were poaching my talent?” Momma’s tone is innocent, but her overlined smile is knowing. Her show has been a launching pad for several new acts, like Diva, but has also become a go-to for established performers who want to try out a new routine. Ming’s number tonight was a stunning, subdued peel with fans of trailing blue silk set to “You Look so Fine.” It was riveting, totally unlike anything I’ve ever seen from her, though she insists she still has a few kinks to sort out.