The audience hooted, hollered, laughed and smiled for the duration of the show, clapping along to the lip-synced musical performances. Meanwhile, the impersonators, all garbed in stunning costumes, worked the crowd for dollar tips.

At Divas in Art events, patrons pay an admission charge and can bring in whatever they want (BYOW), whether it’s a bottle of wine, a beer or a soda. There is also a bar on the premises serving wine and beer.

The performers were pleased to see patrons partaking in the beverage of their choice. “The more you drink,” St. John said, “the better we look.”

Added Rollick, “Delray, you’re a fun town, and I’m a wild woman. I love you, Delray.”

At one point, Rollick disappeared out the door of the Arts Garage and walked to the middle of Northeast First Street, working the traffic and even making eye contact with a police officer as the crowd pushed toward the windows for a closer look. With a snap of the fingers, Rollick was back on stage singing a cabaret tune.

Melissa St. John was the glue that held the show together, as her comedy and singing of “Happy Birthday” to a man twice her age had everyone in the room anticipating her next move.

Matthew Farmer, operations director for the Arts Garage, said he appreciated the enthusiasm with which Divas in Art has been embraced. “We decided to take a risk with this,” he said, “and I think it’s a big success.”

Divas in Art comes on the heels of the opening of Tag Bar at 25 NE Second Ave. Tag Bar is Delray Beach‘s only gay bar and is crowded most nights. The Divas in Art event was practically sold out.

Sponsors included Chuck Halberg, owner of Stuart and Shelby Development. The Arts Garage is an arm of the Creative City Collaborative, which was created by the Delray Beach Community Redevelopment Agency. In attendance were city officials, business owners and married couples.

DePalma ended the evening by serenading Farmer with a rose, while Farmer unleashed his sweet singing voice on the crowd as he performed a special song.

The next Divas in Art will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. Sept 25, at the Arts Garage, 180 NE First St. For more information, call 561-463-2140 or visit http://www.delraybeacharts.org.