The highly anticipated film adaptation of Wicked, featuring stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, has taken the cinema world by storm, prompting just as much excitement and debate among audiences as its original stage production did two decades ago. Since its release on November 22, Wicked: Part 1 has not only captivated viewers visually but also reignited discussions about movie theater etiquette, particularly the age-old question: Should fans sing along during screenings?
AMC Theatres, one of the largest theater chains, has taken a firm stance on the issue, asking audiences to refrain from singing during the movie. Signs within theaters plead with moviegoers, stating, "To our guests seeing Wicked, we ask you to allow everyone to enjoy the cinema experience. Please refrain from singing during the show." This request is met with mixed reactions as fans are torn between their desire to engage with the musical and the unspoken rules of conduct expected within movie theaters.
On one side of the debate, many moviegoers have expressed their frustration at those singing during performances. For them, the distraction robs them of the chance to experience the movie as intended, to hear the incredible voices of the cast without interruptions. Social media platforms have seen numerous complaints, with one TikTok user warning, "The singing is, in fact, happening, and it's worse than you would expect." Another echoed this sentiment, saying, "9/10 movie but 1/10 audience," lamenting how sing-along antics diminished their experience.
Yet, not everyone sees the issue as clear-cut. After all, Wicked is inherently a musical—one filled with iconic songs like Defying Gravity and Popular. Many fans feel compelled to participate, especially during opening weekend when excitement is at its peak. Cynthia Erivo, who stars as Elphaba, addressed the issue during interviews, saying, "I say if you come the first time and you sing through, sing through. But come the second time and let us sing to you." Such sentiments suggest there may be room for both experiences: those who wish to sing and those who prefer to listen.
Ariana Grande, who plays Glinda, echoed Erivo's empathy for fans. She admitted to feeling the urge to sing along but cheekily added, "And if someone throws popcorn at you, or their phone or something, maybe stop." Despite the divide, both stars showed their love for the fans, recognizing the thrill of sharing their songs with audiences.
Adding to the hope for sing-enthusiasts, AMC has announced plans for special sing-along screenings of Wicked starting on Christmas Day. This decision, celebrated by fans, reflects the growing trend of having designated sing-along sessions for beloved musicals and concert films, showcasing how movie theaters can adapt to diverse audience desires.
Of course, Wicked isn't the first film to stir discussions about etiquette. Just last year, audiences faced similar issues during the release of Taylor Swift's The Eras Tour concert film, where fans leaped from their seats to dance and sing, garnering backlash online. The desire for participation versus decorum has emerged as a key tension within modern cinema experiences, especially as more concert films and musicals are released.
Interestingly, the debate isn't just superficial. It strikes at the heart of how public spaces can serve private enjoyment. For many, singing along is more than mere entertainment; it's about community, connection, and tradition, especially within the LGBTQ+ community, which has long embraced sing-alongs as part of the collective experience. Just like audiences at The Rocky Horror Picture Show, where participation is encouraged, the call for sing-alongs at Wicked can be seen as part of the very fabric of musical culture.
The film adaptation of Wicked has also received positive reviews for its handling of the story, which re-evaluates the characters we thought we knew from The Wizard of Oz. The friendship between Elphaba and Glinda serves as the backbone of the narrative, highlighting themes of acceptance and resistance against societal expectations.
Fans are particularly thrilled about the star-studded cast: besides Erivo and Grande, the film features Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, and Peter Dinklage as Dr. Dillamond. The performances of these actors have been widely praised, contributing to the film's box office success, reportedly heading for one of the largest domestic openings of the year with $120 million anticipated.
Overall, the conversation around singing during Wicked screenings reflects larger societal debates about personal expression versus group enjoyment. The upcoming sing-along screenings promise to unite enthusiasts of the musical, bringing them all together to belt out their favorite songs—and perhaps even help to mend some of the divides seen during traditional screenings. On this joyous note, whether one chooses to sing or stay silent, Wicked continues to enchant audiences, bridging the gap between the stage and screen, and reminding us all of the magic of musical theater.
So as December 25 approaches, fans, theater kids, and musical lovers alike prepare for the sing-along experience they’ve been eagerly waiting for—time to brush up on those high notes, because the Land of Oz is calling out for some joyful noise. This is where the stories of Elphaba and Glinda come alive, and it appears the world of cinema may have finally found the balance between quiet admiration and jubilant celebration.
