Theaters impose 'no singing' rule to 'Wicked' moviegoers
Several theaters in the US have reminded viewers to refrain from singing as they watch the newly-released film Wicked starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.
According to reports, American movie theater chain AMC Theaters has begun playing a 30-second advisory featuring scenes from the musical fantasy film as they emphasize to viewers that "silence is golden."
"No talking. No texting. No singing. No wailing. No flirting. And absolutely no name-calling. Enjoy the magic of movies," a voiceover for the pre-show video states.
AMC spokesperson Ryan Noonan explained to The Indianapolis Star that the video is an example of an "occasional policy reminder" tailored to a specific movie.
"AMC has a long-standing policy that prohibits disruptive behavior," he said. "The Wicked pre-show spot incorporates the themes of the film as a fun, engaging reminder to moviegoers to not disrupt the experience for those around them as they enjoy the show."
Some theaters have also put up a sign at their ticketing counter warning against belting out the film's hit songs inside the area.
"To our guests seeing Wicked, we ask that you allow everyone to enjoy the cinema experience. Please refrain from singing during the show," the sign urged.
Theaters are posting signs urging audiences to refrain from singing during ‘WICKED.’ 🎭🎶#Wicked #TheaterEtiquette #Musical pic.twitter.com/Ab9qevgNiH
— Chrome Country (@CChrome_Country) November 21, 2024
It also added that a "Sing-Along" version will premiere on Christmas Day, which would be approximately one month after the film premieres on the big screen.
According to Variety, the interactive showings will be offered in roughly 1,000 North American cinemas, but this has yet to be finalized.
In the case of the Philippines, major cinema chains such as SM Cinemas, Robinsons Movieworld, Ayala Malls Cinemas, Megaworld Cinemas, and others have not issued any reminders to their audience regarding disruptive behavior while watching Wicked as of writing.
News on whether a "Sing-Along" version will be happening in the country is also yet to be confirmed.
Wicked: Part One opened in local cinemas on Nov. 20, while its second part is scheduled to arrive in theaters in 2025.
It centers on Elphaba (played by Cynthia), a young woman with unusual green skin who has yet to discover her true power, and Glinda (played by Ariana), a popular young female gilded by privilege and ambition who has yet to discover her true heart.
After meeting as students in the fantastical Land of Oz, they unexpectedly form a close bond. However, their friendship gets tested after an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz himself, and their lives take very different paths.
If you still need convincing about whether you should watch it or not, here's why we think Wicked is one of the few movie musicals to get it right.
