‘Wicked’ moviegoers slammed over ‘entitled’ act while watching film
The highly anticipated musical, which stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba (the Wicked Witch of the West) and Ariana Grande as Glinda the Good Witch, has been released in theatres.
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo star in WICKED. Credit: Karwai Tang / Getty
After “an encounter with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” the friendship between the two is tested.
Other notable names in the movie are Michelle Yeoh who will be taking on the role of Madame Morrible, Jonathan Bailey, who will be playing Fiyero, and Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard.
Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey, Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Michelle Yeoh, Bowen Yang, Karis Musongole and Bronwyn James. Credit: Gareth Cattermole / Getty
A reporter for News.com.au said her “worst fear” came true after a group of musical theater kids started belting out the words in ‘Defying Gravity’ and ‘Popular’.
“This is communal viewing – not your home or shower,” she slammed, per the outlet. “We are all here to see the movie, not to listen to your slightly off-key rendition of ‘Dancing Through Life’ while you try to [fulfill] your failed dreams of making it to Broadway.”
The reporter isn’t alone as several other users on social media have also echoed this sentiment. “I know a lot of y’all are going to be leaving your movie theatre etiquette at home… I know y’all are going to be singing along… I refuse to be interrupted,” One user, @nadismediacorner, said on TikTok.
A third user commented: “I need all of the theatre kids to get it through their minds right now that just because there is singing in #wicked does not mean that for one second that anybody else in the theatre wants to hear YOU singing, humming, harmonizing.”
One user on X shared a notice a theatre put up, asking audiences to refrain from singing during the screening.
While many believe that singing in public spaces is inappropriate, others argue that individuals should be allowed to enjoy themselves.
“No. I will sing,” someone commented, while another admitted: “I was singing very very very very quietly last night lol.”
The debate has even drawn responses from Grande and Erivo themselves.
In an interview with Stay Tuned NBC, Grande acknowledged the temptation to sing along, while Erivo expressed understanding for this behavior.
“Yeah, and if someone throws popcorn at you or their phone or something, maybe stop,” the ‘We Can’t Be Friends’ singer quipped, before adding, “I’m kidding.”
When asked if they were giving permission for audience members to sing along, Grande and Erivo responded: “Yeah, we support whatever makes them happy.”
