Last night we went to the 2015 Harman Center for the Arts Gala to celebrate theater, Shakespeare and Helen Mirren.

We snapped the night's special guest, Academy and Tony Award-winning actress, Dame Helen Mirren, surrounded by Drs. Linda and Robert Stillman and by STC Board Member Bob Falb and his wife, Carolyn. The theme of the annual black-tie event was Imagine: Shakespeare.

At the VIP cocktail reception: gala committee and STC Board members Meg and John Hauge with Lisa and Steve Ryan. We enjoyed prosecco and ahi tuna tartare.

The performance featured Broadway singers, dancers and renowned opera singers. Here, gala leadership group members Marla Allard and her husband, Brooklyn Law School dean Nick Allard, and gala committee member Pauline Schneider.

After the performance, guests headed to the National Building Museum for dinner and dancing. Here, Georgetown Law's Jeff Bauman, patrons Moira and Josh Carin, Judy Jablow, her husband, Levine School of Music CEO Peter Jablow, with patron Linda Fienberg.

The annual gala benefits Shakespeare Theatre Company's artistic and community engagement programs. Here, Fairbanks Investment Fund's Shannon Fairbanks, patron Thor Halvorson and Joan Fabry.