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With the star-studded fantasy musical Wicked taking moviegoers all across the world by storm, the internet has been buzzing over proper theater etiquette and whether audiences should sing along to their favorite tunes featured in the dazzling adaptation. Moana 2 star Dwayne Johnson decided to weigh in on the hot-button topic when walking the red carpet for the U.K. premiere of the highly-anticipated Disney sequel, telling BBC that fans should be able to sing along while watching their favorite movies and adding, “Especially if you love music, that’s the fun part.”
The 2016 animated blockbuster notably featured a slew of fun and catchy songs like “How Far I’ll Go” and “You’re Welcome,” with Grammy winner Lin-Manuel Miranda helping compose the film’s electrifying soundtrack. Johnson feels that audiences should be able to belt it out along with their favorite characters because they are giving up their time and portion of their paycheck to come and support the cast members and big-budget flicks, further coming to the defense of passionate fans and adding:
“Sing! You’ve paid your hard earned money for a ticket, and you’ve gone into a musical, and you’re into it. Sing.”
Wicked adapts the Broadway musical into a two-part film, following the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, born with green skin, and Glinda, a popular aristocrat, in the Land of Oz. As they navigate their contrasting paths, they evolve into Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
- Release Date
- November 22, 2024
- Cast
- Cynthia Erivo , Ariana Grande , Michelle Yeoh , Jeff Goldblum , Jonathan Bailey , Ethan Slater , Marissa Bode , Bowen Yang , Bronwyn James , Keala Settle , Peter Dinklage , Aaron Teoh , Grecia De la Paz , Colin Michael Carmichael , Adam James , Andy Nyman , Courtney Mae-Briggs , Sharon D. Clarke , Jenna Boyd
- Runtime
- 160 Minutes
The Cast of ‘Wicked’ Weighs in on the Singing Controversy
Upon the release of the acclaimed Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo-led fantasy musical, the internet has held nothing back when it comes to expressing their fierce opinions over audiences singing along, with one Broadway lover proudly declaring via X shortly after the debut of Wicked: “I was singing the ensemble parts in the theater for wicked. And I’ll do it again!!!! I know how to stay quiet!” However, AMC is actually encouraging excited fans to kindly hold back from belting their little hearts out alongside Elphaba and Glinda, urging in a commercial:
“At AMC Theatres, silence is golden. No talking. No texting. No singing. No wailing. No Flirting. And absolutely no name-calling. Enjoy the magic of movies.”
The sensational stars of Wicked decided to give their own two cents when it comes to the highly-contested topic, and it seems as though both leading ladies share the same sentiment: it’s okay as long as it’s not taking away from the experience of other viewers. Erivo told BBC News at the London premiere: “Why not? If it makes you feel happy. Be considerate, is what we’re asking,” while Grande agreed with her co-star and also gave her permission to fully immerse themselves in the cinematic experience and sympathized with those who wanted to:
“As long as the people around you aren’t becoming upset and causing a discourse. Live your life. If someone throws popcorn at you or their phone or something, maybe stop. … We support whatever makes them happy.”
Save the Sing-a-Long for ‘Wicked’s Streaming Release
It’s easy to get caught up in the wonder and magic of seeing your favorite Broadway productions be spectacularly brought to life on the silver screen, and though it may be tempting to sing right along with the talented stars, be aware that you might get some pushback from your fellow audience members. While many argue that Wicked is a musical (and a beloved one at that) and that it’s a no-brainer that fans want to belt it out during the film’s record-shattering opening weekend, some people are unfamiliar with the premise and musical numbers and should be able to fully enjoy their first experience with the reimagining.
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Despite what Dwayne Johnson says and even Erivo and Grande themselves, the cinema is not the place to be over-the-top and disruptive to other paying moviegoers (no matter how tempting it may be to join in song). For those who want to let loose and give their unique spin to unforgettable hits like “Popular” and “Defying Gravity,” they can head to the cinema on Christmas Day as AMC will be offering a sing-along version of the film in select theaters across the United States. Wicked is currently in theaters.