Music News Today — November 9, 2026

The world of music and performance is abuzz with exciting news and reflections on past successes and failures. In the theater world, critics are weighing in on the Broadway musical 'Wanted', noting that despite a dazzling cast, the show's narrative falls flat. Meanwhile, Taiwan and South Korea are joining forces to co-produce musicals, highlighting the growing global connections in the industry. Another musical, 'Passing Strange', is bringing its unique rock sound to the Pasadena Playhouse nearly two decades after its Tony-winning run on Broadway, with creators Stew and Heidi Rodewald discussing the show's enduring appeal.

In other news, actor Nicolas Cage is opening up about his experience with the animated series 'Spider-Noir', which was surprisingly canceled after its first season - a development Cage says he actually welcomed, as he prefers to avoid getting typecast in a single role. The music world is also mourning the loss of Del Casher, the guitarist who invented the iconic wah-wah pedal, who has passed away at the age of 88. With all this and more, there's never been a more exciting time to be a fan of music, theater, and performance - stay tuned for the latest updates and insights from the world of entertainment!

Today's signal:
• ‘Wanted’ Broadway Review: Dazzling Cast Can’t Elevate the Musical’s Muted Narrative (variety.com)
• Taiwan and South Korea Join Forces on Musical Theater Co-Productions (variety.com)
• Nicolas Cage Calls ‘Spider-Noir’ Season 1 ‘Perfect’ and Says He Felt Relieved When It Was Canceled: ‘You Never Wanna Get Stuck Repeating a Character’ (variety.com)
• ‘Passing Strange’ Comes to Pasadena Playhouse: Creators Stew and Heidi Rodewald on the Rock Musical Reaching L.A. Almost Two Decades After Tony-Winning Broadway Run (variety.com)
• Alycia Baumgardner vs. Elif Nur Turhan on ESPN Unlimited: Here’s Where to Watch the Title Bout Live Online (variety.com)
• Del Casher, Guitarist Who Invented the Wah-Wah Pedal, Dead at 88 (rollingstone.com)