Introduction

The debate over whether it's acceptable for audiences to sing along during movie screenings has heated up, especially with the premiere of “Wicked.” Cynthia Erivo, who stars as Elphaba, has weighed in on the discussion, giving fans the green light to break out into song while enjoying the film.

Cynthia Erivo's Support for Sing-Alongs

During an interview at the recent Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Erivo was asked by Hoda Kotb about the growing trend of audience sing-alongs in theaters. She wholeheartedly endorsed the idea, stating, “Good. I’m OK with it. We spent this long singing it ourselves — it’s time for everyone else to join in. It’s wonderful!” Her enthusiastic response aligns her with other celebrities, including Dwayne Johnson, who encouraged participation from the audience during his promotional appearances for "Moana 2."

Dissenting Opinions

However, not everyone agrees. The practice of singing along has sparked discussions among moviegoers, with some preferring to hear the professional performances as intended. AMC Theatres has issued reminders about their policy against disruptive behavior, with spokesperson Ryan Noonan stating, “AMC has a long-standing policy that prohibits disruptive behavior. The ‘Wicked’ preshow spot incorporates the themes of the film as a fun, engaging reminder to moviegoers to not disrupt the experience for those around them.”

Interactive Sing-Along Screenings

In an exciting twist for fans, interactive sing-along screenings of “Wicked” will debut on Christmas Day in approximately 1,000 theaters across North America. This will provide the perfect opportunity for fans to join Erivo and Ariana Grande in belting out their favorite tunes without the worry of disrupting others.

Filming in Theaters

In addition to the sing-along topic, a concerning issue has arisen at recent “Wicked” screenings: some attendees have taken to filming portions of the movie on their phones and sharing them online. This act not only disrupts the viewing experience for others but is also illegal, further complicating the ongoing conversation about etiquette in movie theaters.

Conclusion

So, as we head into the holiday season, will you be rehearsing your favorite songs from “Wicked”? Mark your calendars for December 25! Will this interactive experience change the way we enjoy musicals? Only time will tell!