Cynthia Erivo shares her perspective on the ongoing debate on the Internet about whether audiences should maintain demeanor or feel free to sing along to Wicked’s classic music. The actress, who plays the unusual green-skinned witch Elphaba in the latest film adaptation, spoke to NBC on the topic at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on Nov. 28.
“Okay. I’m okay with that. We spent so long singing it ourselves — now it’s time for everyone else to join in. It’s amazing,” Erivo told the outlet. By sharing the encouraging stance, she joins Dwayne Johnson as the latest celeb to do so.
The Jumanji actor encouraged viewers to do the same while watching his latest film, Moana 2. “Sing! You paid your hard-earned money for the ticket, and you’ve gone to a concert, and you’re into it. Sing,” he said.
Audiences singing in theaters while watching Wicked sparked debate online as some moviegoers had a problem with the noise. In an interview with Variety, AMC Theaters spokesperson Ryan Noonan explained why they asked their audiences not to sing during film screenings. “AMC has a long-standing policy that prohibits disruptive behavior,” he said.
He also talked about the Wicked pre-show, which reminds moviegoers in a fun and engaging way to “not disrupt the experience of those around you while enjoying the show.” Many agreed with this viewpoint and called out those who shared videos from inside theaters as a nuisance and disturbing the audience experience.
Another rogue theater malpractice that created buzz recently was fans filming the movie on their phones. Theater owners had opposed it considering it illegal.
Yet, Erivo and Ariana Grande have found a solution to this problem by hosting an interactive sing-along screening of Wicked, set to premiere on Christmas Day. The shows will reportedly be set in approximately 1,000 North American theaters.
‘Wicked’ directed by Jon M. Chu tells the story of a misunderstood witch, Elphaba (Erivo), who is considered an anomaly due to her green skin and her growing friendship with the popular and “good” witch, Glinda (Grande). Considered as. According to the synopsis, “After an encounter with Australia’s wonderful magician, their friendship reaches a crossroads.”
Wicked is available in theaters.
