In a surprising and bold move, Jon M. Chu, the director behind the much-anticipated film adaptation of the iconic Broadway musical *Wicked*, is calling audiences to take action at the theater. As moviegoers flock to see the film, which stars Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, Chu is letting fans know they have a voice—quite literally!

Taking to social media on the film's premiere night, Chu urged viewers to ask theater staff to crank up the volume, advocating for a auditory experience that matches the spectacular performances of the leading ladies. He shared, “Tell your movie theater to turn it up to a 7… I’ve gone to a couple screenings and they are more like a 6.4. If you want it the way it was intended, 7 is the way.”

This unique request has sparked a mix of reactions online. Co-writer Dana Fox chimed in, sharing her positive experience from her screening, stating, “We turned it up a clock tick at our screening and it was perfect!!” Meanwhile, audiovisual experts at Dolby weighed in, reassuring audiences that they "got you covered" for those seeking an enhanced sound experience.

Interestingly, some theatergoers expressed surprise over the possibility of requesting volume adjustments during screenings, opening up a conversation about audience empowerment in cinema. A number of viewers backed Chu's comments, recounting their own experiences where the sound could have been more immersive.

Expanding on the sound design aspect, John Marquis, the film's sound designer, elaborated on the meticulous process involved in capturing the raw and powerful vocal performances of Grande and Erivo. He reflected, “A lot of it did itself, just due to the nature of the way the tracks were recorded. The challenge with the musical, obviously, is just trying to keep it grounded without having it pop on and off; making it feel like a seamless musical journey.”

As fans continue to immerse themselves in the magical world of *Wicked*, it’s becoming clear that sound is a critical element in bringing the story to life. So, the next time you’re at the theater watching *Wicked*, don’t hesitate—if you want to fully experience the emotional power of the music and performances, remember to speak up and ask for that volume boost! Your viewing experience could depend on it!