There’s no one like this ‘dame’

Helen Mirren takes the stage at Academy of Music’s annual Academy Ball

Oh, what a night it was when the Academy of Music lit up the Belle of Broad Street for the 162nd time to the delight of adoring fans.

What made it even more special was the opportunity to have an esteemed British actress — and, more importantly, a dame — on a stage where other esteemed Englishmen have trod.

Helen Mirren not only showed but shimmered last Saturday night as she commanded all eyes’ and ears’ attention clothed in a twinkling silvery sheath at center stage. She was not prim and proper as one might think of a Brit but regal as she held a rapt audience while joking about her lack of musical aptitude. Though not for lack of trying, she quipped, by her well-trained, Russiandescended dad.

Now in the business of acting for over half of a century, Mirren has achieved twothirds Joan Bang — For MediaNews Group Osagie Imasogie, of Bryn Mawr, and wife Lozenge take to the dance floor when dinner ends. of actresses’ dreams by receiving two Tony Awards and an Oscar for her role in “The Queen.”

In addition to Ms. Mirren, guests were blown away by the incredible sounds emanating from Russian-borne soprano Aida Garifullina. The “30-something”-year-old has a tidy following of nearly half a million aficionados for whom operatic music is pure joy. Her ending notes brought thunderous applause to the rafters of the Grande Dame on Broad Street, along with appreciation from the Metropolitan Opera House for allowing her to take part in in this year’s ball.

After quickly claiming their coats and wraps, concertgoers hustled to the Bellevue Hotel where the party continued for several more hours, with many in the crowd having already booked rooms for an overnight stay.

Each year seems to bring a renewed interest in not just the party aspect of the Academy Ball, but new people, sponsors and, particularly, noted talent to the Grande Dame of Broad.

Missed attending this year’s sensational soiree? There’s always next year’s production taking place at the end of January.

JOAN BANG — FOR MEDIANEWS GROUP As presenters leave the stage, Helen Mirren continues her monologue.

Joan Bang — For MediaNews Group When the concert ends, Katie Schaeffer, of Haverford, and her husband, Tony, find a spot where they can quench their thirst.