• Fans are torn whether or not to sing-along to the catchy tunes in Wicked
  • The movie stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande
  • Erivo has revealed which side of the debate she stands on
Cynthia Erivo
Cynthia Erivo Credit: Imago

It’s the debate which has plagued theater lovers for decades – to sing or not sing along to the musical numbers. 

But what’s the correct etiquette when watching your favorite show and its catchy tunes? 

As Wicked Part 1 storms the global box office, Cynthia Erivo – who played Elphaba in the movie adaptation – has weighed in with her views.

And although some audiences have been told to refrain from joining in with her and Ariana Grande’s stunning vocal performances, the actor, 37, doesn’t think that’s the case.

When interviewed at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – which was broadcast on NBC this Thursday – if it was OK to sing along in the theater Erivo answered, “Good. I’m OK with it. We spent this long singing it ourselves – it’s time for everyone else to join in. It’s wonderful.”

‘Do not disrupt the experience for others’

Erivo’s words have caused much debate online, with fans torn as to whether or not they should follow their advice.

In a recent interview, AMC Theatres spokesperson explained why the chain asked audiences not to sing. 

“AMC has a long-standing policy that prohibits disruptive behavior. The Wicked pre show spot [which includes ‘no singing’] 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.”

Ariana Grande as Glinda in Wicked
Ariana Grande as Glinda in Wicked Credit: Imago

Whatever your views, there’s one place that belting Defying Gravity at the top of your lungs will definitely be encouraged.

In just a few weeks, interactive sing-along screenings of the film will be available to book at roughly 1,000 North American cinemas. They are set to premiere on Christmas Day. 

Wicked fans wait for Part 2 

While musical theater lovers around the world are clearly overjoyed by Jon M. Chu’s adaptation of the 2003 Broadway show, they’ll have to wait a whole year to watch its second part.

The movie has been divided into two segments so that the story could be told properly.

But don’t worry – here’s everything we know about Wicked Part 2. Be sure to keep an eye on the page, as we’re updating it when more information becomes available!

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Sophie Cockerham
Sophie Cockerham is a freelance journalist with more than seven years of experience. Her writing can be seen across titles such as Grazia, The Mail on Sunday, Femail, Metro, Stylist, RadioTimes.com, HuffPost, and the LadBible Group. Before starting her career, Sophie attended the University of Liverpool, where she studied English Language and Literature, before gaining her MA in Journalism on the NCTJ-accredited course at the University of Sheffield.