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PHOTOS from "The Wag's Christmas Spectacular" at The Strand

By John Posada

originally published: 12/15/2022

(LAKEWOOD, NJ) -- On Saturday, December 10, The Wag's Christmas Spectacular came to The Strand Theater in Lakewood. Steeped in the traditions of holiday TV shows of the past, The Wag brings back the memories of these specials while putting their own unique stamp on them. Their show has all of the holiday songs that you know and love, plus dance numbers, costume changes, and comedy sketches, along with some fun surprises - including a few original Christmas/Holiday songs! Photographer John Posada was on hand to take photos.

The Wag’s sense of humor and their homemade props and costumes are worth the price of admission alone. The show also features a running theme of “Christmas Around the World”. There will be holiday songs and sketches from Ireland, Germany, Spain, & more! The Wag's Christmas Spectacular is sure to please the entire family. 

If you missed the show at The Strand, there's one more chance to catch The Wag's Christmas Spectacular - they will be at The Middletown Arts Center on Saturday, December 17th, from 7:00pm - 9:00pm. The venue is located at 36 Church Street in Middletown, New Jersey. This is a benefit for the local SPCA.

"The Monmouth County SPCA has benefitted from the talent and generosity of The Wag for the last 20 years," said Executive Director Ross Licitra, "This holiday season, we are especially excited to partner with The Wag for a Christmas Spectacular that will not only be fun for the entire family, but will help to find new homes and resources for the many abused, abandoned and homeless animals we care for."

The band consists of Brian Ostering (Bass and vocals); Alicia Van Sant (Keyboards, vocals, percussion, some flute, occasional guitar); Don Lee (Guitar and vocals); and Joshua Van Ness (Drums, percussion, guitar and vocals).




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Special guests for the show are expected to include: Ralph Capasso, Joe Lisa, Michael Brett, Daria Raguseo, Gracie Spina, William Boudiette, Dennis Keefe, and James Ostering.

Tickets are on sale for $15.00, and available at http://www.thewagband.com/store or at the door.

Here are more photos from the show at The Strand.

About the author:

John Posada is a New Jersey based photographer specializing in photographing live theatre and music performances. Currently, John has spent the last 6 years concentrating on photographing almost 400 theater productions at over 70 different NJ theatres. Click here for John's website.





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EVENT PREVIEWS

(TUCKERTON, NJ) -- Bell Bottom Blues returns to the Lizzie Rose Music Room on Friday, July 10, 2026. The band was formed in 2007 with the vision of providing an audience with a true Eric Clapton Experience. Showtime is 7:30pm.

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(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Count Basie Center for the Arts will honor Kate Pierson and Fred Schneider of The B-52s and Dramarama by welcoming them onto its Walk of Fame. Pierson and Schneider will be inducted during a special ceremony on Friday, July 10, 2026 at 12:00pm, outside the historic theater in Red Bank, ahead of The B-52s’ concert at ParkStage in Freehold on Saturday, July 11. Dramarama, also performing at that concert, will be presented with a commemorative plaque at the show.
Asbury Lanes presents There, There (A Tribute to Radiohead) on July 11th

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(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- There, There (A Tribute to Radiohead) will perform at Asbury Lanes on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Doors open at 7:00pm, showtime is 8:00pm.

Newton Theatre presents Dio Rules: Tribute to Rainbow, Black Sabbath & Dio on July 11th

(NEWTON, NJ) -- One voice. Three legendary bands. One unforgettable decade of rock. DIO RULES is a powerful live concert experience celebrating the music and legacy of Ronnie James Dio, one of the most influential voices in the history of hard rock and heavy metal. See for yourself when the band comes to The Newton Theatre on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 8:00pm.
Albert Music Hall

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(MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- Going on 20+ years, the annual, free, two-day Maplewoodstock Music + Art Festival will take place the weekend of July 11-12, 2026, in Memorial Park in Maplewood. The festival features performances by Anders Osborne, Lettuce, Slap Dragon, and Megan Jean's Secret Family. It kicks off with music at noon and ends around 9:30pm each night. As always, it is free and welcomes the entire community.

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(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) presents Warrant on Sunday, July 12, 2026 at 7:00pm. The California band first hit it big in 1989 with their album Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich.
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(NEWARK, NJ) -- Benson Boone brings his 2026 U.S. Wanted Man Tour to the Prudential Center in Newark on Monday, July 13, 2026 at 8:00pm. Last year, Boone received his first GRAMMY® nomination for Best New Artist at the 67th Annual GRAMMY® Awards, where Boone delivered a show-stopping performance of his breakthrough smash "Beautiful Things."
Good Damage to perform at House of Independents on July 15th

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(ASBURY PARK, NJ) -- New Jersey alt rock/pop-punk band Good Damage will return to the House of Independents on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 supporting American Vanity and Faded 2 Gray. This will be the band's third time playing the venue. Doors are at 7:00pm, music starts at 8:00pm.
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(FREEHOLD, NJ) -- Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul will headline a concert at ParkStage on Friday, July 17, 2026 that fans of Jersey music will love. The lineup includes Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul, Jake Clemons Band, Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers with Gary U.S. Bonds, and The Weeklings. Showtime is 4:00pm.
 

FEATURED EVENTS


Bell Bottom Blues - A Tribute to Eric Clapton

Friday, July 10, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ


Damn The Torpedoes Matinee Show

Saturday, July 11, 2026 @ 3:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ


Damn The Torpedoes Evening Show

Saturday, July 11, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ


There, There (A Tribute to Radiohead)

Saturday, July 11, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Asbury Lanes
209 Fourth Avenue, Asbury Park, NJ


Johnny Kasun’s Jim Croce Tribute

Friday, July 17, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ



 

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