“Wicked” fans should sing along in the theater

“Wicked” star Cynthia Erivo has weighed in on an internet debate about audience behavior: Should fans sing along to the film’s classic show tunes while watching it in theaters?

Erivo, who plays Elphaba, gave the OK to fans singing along during an interview on NBC’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade broadcast on Thursday. Hoda Kotb asked her if it was okay to sing along in the theater since there were so many fans doing it, to which Erivo replied, “Good. I agree. We’ve spent so long singing it ourselves – now it’s time for everyone else to sing along. It’s wonderful.”

Erivo joins Dwayne Johnson as the latest celebrity to encourage fans to sing along to a musical in the theater, with Johnson saying on the carpet of the animated musical Moana 2 that fans should “Sing!” You paid your hard-earned money for a ticket, went to a musical and loved it. Sing.”

The audience singing at “Wicked” has sparked an online debate as some ticket buyers only want to hear the professionals in the film. AMC Theaters spokesperson Ryan Noonan recently gave an interview explaining why the chain asked audiences not to sing, saying, “AMC has a long-standing policy prohibiting disruptive behavior. The “Wicked” preshow spot (which includes “No Singing”) takes up the themes of the film and reminds moviegoers in a fun and engaging way not to disrupt the experience for those around them while they enjoy the show. “

Fans only have to wait a few weeks to sing along with Erivo and Ariana Grande – interactive, sing-along screenings of the film will premiere on Christmas Day. These seasons will take place in approximately 1,000 North American theaters.

Singing along isn’t the only behavior at “Wicked” screenings that has sparked controversy. Certain fans have started filming parts of their film on their phones and posting them online, which not only disturbs other moviegoers but is also illegal.

Erivo began the interview by presenting Kotb with a bouquet of flowers, as the longtime “Today” host will be leaving the show in January and this will be her last time hosting the Thanksgiving parade.