New Jersey Stage logo
New Jersey Stage Menu



 

PHOTOS: The Wag's Christmas Spectacular at The Strand


By John Posada

originally published: 12/18/2021

(LAKEWOOD, NJ) -- The Wag headlined a theater for the first time on Saturday, December 11, 2021 when they presented their Christmas Spectacular at The Strand Theater in Lakewood. The night featured Christmas songs from around the world, dancing, and comedy sketches. Photographer John Posada was on hand to cover the show.

The Wag is composed of Brian Ostering (Bass, Vocals), Alicia Van Sant (Keyboards, Percussion, Vocals), Don Lee (Guitar, Vocals), and Joshua Van Ness (Drums, Vocals) with each band member taking s turn at lead vocals during the show.  The band was joined by Deni Bonet (Violin, Ukulele), Michael Brett (Guitar, Ukulele), Ralph Capasso (Saxophone), and Sheri Matthews (Vocals) throughout the night. In addition, Daria Raguseo and Hope McCarthy danced along on several songs.  William Boudiette, Michael Brett, Ralph Capasso, and James Ostering were part of the comedy sketches.

In addition to performing well known Christmas songs and tunes that represented countries around the world, the band played their original holiday songs.  

Here are photos from the show.

The Strand Theater is located at 400 Clifton Avenue in Lakewood, New Jersey.  For more on The Wag visit www.thewagband.com. All photos by John Posada

John Posada is a New Jersey based photographer specializing in photographing live theatre and music performances. For more than 15 years, John has photographed live events where he mastered the techniques of timing and capturing fast moving action under challenging lighting conditions. Currently, John has spent the last 3 years concentrating on photographing almost 200 theatre productions for over 70 different theatres. Click here for John's website.




Promote your shows at New Jersey Stage! Click here for info




EVENT PREVIEWS

(RED BANK, NJ) -- Remember Jones will present a 50th Anniversary Celebration of Stevie Wonder's Songs in the Key of Life - a one night only theatrical event featuring the ENTIRE album and MORE Stevie Wonder hits with a full expanded band, Count Basie Center Gospel Choir, and Very Special Guests on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at Count Basie Center for the Arts.
Algonquin Arts Theatre presents Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience

Algonquin Arts Theatre presents Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience

(MANASQUAN, NJ) -- Algonquin Arts Theatre presents Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 2:00pm. This is a unique experience that puts the audience in control.
MPAC presents Tony Danza: Standards and Stories on April 18th

MPAC presents Tony Danza: Standards and Stories on April 18th

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Popular entertainer Tony Danza brings his Standards and Stories concert to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 8:00pm. Combining timeless music with wit, charm, storytelling, and a dash of soft shoe and ukulele performances, Danza performs a selection of his favorite standards from the Great American Songbook while interweaving stories about his life and personal connection to the music.
Split Level Concerts presents Lucy Kaplansky at Jersey Shore Arts Center; Dave Vargo to Open

Split Level Concerts presents Lucy Kaplansky at Jersey Shore Arts Center; Dave Vargo to Open

(OCEAN GROVE, NJ) -- Contemporary folk stalwart Lucy Kaplansky will perform at Jersey Shore Arts Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 8:00pm. Jersey-born songwriter and guitarist Dave Vargo will open the show. The show is part of the on-going Split Level Concerts Series which highlights renowned Americana and contemporary folk musicians in a uniquely intimate setting.
State Theatre New Jersey presents

State Theatre New Jersey presents '60s Rock 'n Roll Revival

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents '60s Rock 'N Roll Revival on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 7:00pm. The evening features performances by Jay and the Americans, The Grass Roots, The Lovin' Spoonful, and The Brooklyn Bridge.
Actor, Writer, Designer Isaac Mizrahi to Bring Six-Piece Jazz Band to Stockton on April 18th

Actor, Writer, Designer Isaac Mizrahi to Bring Six-Piece Jazz Band to Stockton on April 18th

(GALLOWAY, NJ) -- Actor, writer, designer and producer Isaac Mizrahi will blend comedy, storytelling and jazz for a performance at Stockton University's Performing Arts Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026. Showtime is 7:30pm.
Boots in the Borough to Take Place April 18th

Boots in the Borough to Take Place April 18th

(WASHINGTON, NJ) -- With country music and line dancing kicking all day, it'll be a family friendly fun-filled day of dancing, dancing and more dancing when Washington (Warren County) hosts Boots in the Borough on Saturday, April 18, 2026. The free event, which will take place in Downtown Washington from 11:00am to 7:00pm, is the first of its kind in the region.
Rock the Foundation Returns to the Westfield Armory April 18th to Support Housing for Veterans in Need

Rock the Foundation Returns to the Westfield Armory April 18th to Support Housing for Veterans in Need

(WESTFIELD, NJ) -- On Saturday, April 18, 2026, the Foundation for Sustainable Veteran Housing (FSVH) will host its annual Rock the Foundation benefit concert at the Westfield Armory from 6:00pm to 10:30pm. This signature event brings together music, community, and purpose to support veterans in need of safe, stable housing.
Grunin Center for the Arts presents The Brit Pack on Saturday

Grunin Center for the Arts presents The Brit Pack on Saturday

(TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- The Grunin Center for the Arts presents The Brit Pack on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 7:30pm. They are the most authentic British Invasion experience this  side of the Atlantic.  Limited tickets remain.
Landis Rock Fest 2026 to Take Place Saturday

Landis Rock Fest 2026 to Take Place Saturday

(VINELAND, NJ) -- The Landis Rock Fest 2026 takes place Saturday, April 18th at The Landis Theater in Vineland. Get ready for a full night of original music, hard-hitting rock, and nonstop energy. Showtime is 7:00pm.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS








 

Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info