"Wicked: Part 1," arguably the most highly anticipated movie of the holiday season, has prompted debate over expectations of how audiences should behave during screenings of the musical, which hit theaters this weekend. To sing, or not to sing alongTheater chain AMC has urged viewers to stay quiet during the screening.However, some fans have strong opinions about whether they should be allowed to sing or not. Signs read, "To our guests seeing Wicked, we ask that you allow everyone to enjoy the cinema experience.
Please refrain from singing during the show." Some online agreed with AMC, saying they want to hear the stars, not audience members.One moviegoer brought a poster to the theater reading, "attention Ozians: However beautiful (or not), no singing please!" Others argued that because the movie is a musical, people should be allowed to sing, especially on opening weekend. "I say, if you come the first time and you sing through, sing through," said actress Cynthia Erivo, who stars as Elphaba in the film, in an interview with StayTunedNBC.
"But come a second time and let us sing to you." Ariana Grande, who stars as Glinda, added she understands the "tempting" urge to sing along but also respects why people would not.She said if someone throws popcorn, "maybe stop." There is hope, however, for those with a song in their hearts.
AMC will offer a sing-along version in some North American cinemas on Christmas Day, just over a month after the film's premiere, according to Variety.Who is in the star-studded cast?Erivo is a Tony and Grammy-award-winning British actress and singer who rose to fame starring in the Broadway Revival of "The Color Purple." She also received an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Harriet Tubman in the 2019 biopic "Harriet." Grande is a Grammy-award-winning singer, songwriter and actress, who began her career in "13" on Broadway and then appeared in several Nickelodeon shows.She is widely known...