The Great Debate: Singing in Movie Theaters Sparks Discontent
The discussion surrounding audience participation during movie screenings has taken a new turn, particularly with the release of Wicked, a lavish adaptation of the legendary Broadway musical. Enthusiastic fans of the show are asserting that those who cannot carry a tune should refrain from singing aloud in theaters, suggesting they wait for the film’s availability on streaming platforms. Meanwhile, others have been quick to advocate for basic social etiquette during this cinematic experience.
Cynthia Erivo Weighs In
Recently, Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba in Wicked, shared her thoughts on the matter. During an appearance at the Thanksgiving Parade, she was directly asked whether she supported singing in theaters. Erivo responded affirmatively, stating, “Good! I’m okay with it. We’ve spent this long singing it ourselves; it’s time for everyone else to join in.”
Mixed Reactions on Social Media
Surprisingly, Erivo’s stance did not resonate well with a segment of the audience. Many took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their disapproval. One user lamented, “Cynthia Erivo just said she encourages people to sing in theaters I’m gonna have [an] aneurism,” reflecting the discontent from moviegoers wary of unauthorized sing-alongs. Another comment echoed this sentiment, suggesting, “Cynthia is praying for chaos.”
Cynthia Erivo just said she encourages people to sing in theaters I’m gonna have a aneurism
— Mr. Fish (@Mrdracofishy_) November 28, 2024
I was a choir and theater kid in high school, I would NEVER sing outside of a designated sing-along showing. Cynthia is praying for chaos.?
— ✨ Zelvamist ✨ (@Zelvamist) November 28, 2024
Theaters Take a Stand
Movie theaters are not turning a blind eye to this controversy either. AMC Theatres have implemented a pre-screening announcement for Wicked that clearly states, “No talking. No texting. No singing. No wailing. No flirting. And absolutely no name-calling.” This message emphasizes the importance of being respectful to fellow viewers, suggesting that, perhaps, fans should remember that they might not possess the vocal prowess of stars like Erivo or Ariana Grande—after all, those are the performances audiences have paid to hear.
More Celebrity Opinions
Interestingly, Erivo is not the sole celebrity advocating for in-theater singing. Dwayne Johnson, in promotion of his recent project Moana 2, which premiered on November 27, encouraged audience participation. When asked about singing in theaters, he remarked, “Sing! You’ve paid your hard-earned money for a ticket, and you’ve gone into a musical, and you’re into it. Sing.” However, it’s crucial to consider that other ticket holders might prefer to enjoy the show without the distraction of off-key singing from fellow patrons.
The Compromise
If you can’t resist the urge to belt out your favorite Wicked tunes, there’s good news: a sing-along version of the film is set to premiere on December 25. This means fans can express their enthusiasm in designated settings, creating a win-win for all involved.
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