Not even sinister immune to the tendency to turn everything into a possible war in the 2020s. Hot A stage adaptation is planned of the blockbuster Broadway musical was released in theaters This weekend, with the stars Cynthia Erivo And Ariana Grande the audience was moved with performances of songs like “Defying Gravity.” However, the experience is so transcendent that it is causing concern: fears that some patrons might sing out are prompting extreme pre-emptive measures to keep everyone’s lips sealed.
Singing along to movies is always encouraged special, participatory screening or midnight ritual called female Rocky Horror Picture Show. But the recent emergence of the so-called “devil’s scream” at concerts, in which patrons overshadow the headliners by screaming at the singers they paid to watch, causing some to worry that the practice could spread to smaller-scale venues. A famous 21 year old musical like sinister perhaps more like an environment with multiple goals.
AMC, the world’s largest movie theater chain, decided to get ahead of any disruptions by posting signs about moviegoing etiquette. has been widely shared on social media. “To our guests watching Wicked, we ask that you allow everyone to enjoy the cinematic experience,” they wrote. “Please refrain from singing during the performance.” Signs were printed with a message played before the movie that read: “At AMC Theaters, silence is golden. Don’t talk. No texting. No singing. No mourning. No flirting. And absolutely no name calling. Enjoy the magic of movies.”
According to an AMC spokesperson Ryan Noonanthe announcement of these policies is all that stands between Oz and mayhem. “AMC has a long-standing policy prohibiting disruptive behavior,” he said female Indianapolis Star. “The WICKED pre-screening location incorporates the film’s themes as a fun, engaging reminder for moviegoers to not interrupt the experience of those around them as they enjoy the film.” (It’s unclear whether Noonan has ever gone to the movies at his place of business, as his company’s ban on texting and talking is as strictly enforced as the dorm’s alcohol rules average campus of a Big 10 university.)
Chicago Sun-Times critic Richard Roeper voiced support for AMC’s guidance, tweeting“Unless it’s a special, ‘sing along’ event, YOU should be the one waiting for it to stream so you can sing to your heart’s content at home, instead of ruining the experience for everyone else at the theater. They are paying to listen to Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, not you.”
Illinois special education teacher Ariane Tyler so worried about the threat from unapproved songbirds that she—according to Wall Street Journal—rented a theater for a private viewing, even created a Facebook group to announce the event’s rules. Bathroom breaks, loud chewing and outfits are all off the table, but her harshest words were for the singer. “Unless you win a Tony,” she wrote, “will not be allowed to sing.”
“I’m very serious about these rules,” Tyler told WSJ. So serious that her children (ages 8 and 5) will not be allowed to attend the evening. She couldn’t trust them not to sing, she said.
If all of this sounds tiresomely stilted or like an active entertainment war, then cinemas have a special Christmas present just for you. Diversity reported earlier this week starting December 25, about 1,000 theaters across North America will host “interactive screenings” of the film.
If you need to start the song a little early, Elphaba and Glinda can let you, even if your fellow patrons disagree. IN a recent interview“If you come for the first time and sing it all, sing it all,” Ervio (who plays Elphaba) said. But come a second time and let us sing to you.”
“We understand that if you [sing],” said Grande (Glinda). “We respect feelings… but if someone throws popcorn or their phone or something at you, maybe stop.”
