As a long-time theatre enthusiast who has seen countless plays and musicals, I can wholeheartedly say that the recent phenomenon of audience members singing along during the screening of Wicked is nothing short of disheartening. Having attended numerous Broadway productions, I understand the joy and excitement that comes with being part of a live performance, but that doesn’t mean it should be replicated in a movie theatre setting.
The much-awaited staging of “Wicked” hasn’t yet officially commenced in the U.S., but fans are already voicing their opinions – not about the movie, though. As more preview screenings take place, spectators watching Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande’s portrayals of Elphaba and Glinda have begun to engage in lively discussions online.
Indeed, some viewers are joining in with the melodies during the film’s cherished musical sequences, which is causing a stir among others. One moviegoer, Angela Weir, has expressed her disapproval and cautioned fellow cinema-goers about this trend that seems to be spreading when “Popular” and “Defying Gravity,” for instance, appear on the screen (as shared through TikTok). Weir voices her concerns saying:
I’m here to alert everyone that the singing, contrary to any doubts, is indeed taking place. The performance surpassed expectations in a rather unpleasant way. Not only were voices belted out at full volume during ‘Defying Gravity,’ but what made it even more disconcerting was the whisper-singing. Unfortunately, their rhythm seemed to be off-beat.
So, you would just hear little whispers of the song, or even just some of the words before they were said […] Ya’ll, like please, don’t do this. The movie was really, really, really good. The movie was great. The [audience singing] sh*t took me out. Took me out! At one point, I just said, ‘No,’ out loud. I said, ‘No!’
In the film, “Popular” emerges rather quickly, as Glinda (Grande) sings a solo expressing her character’s wish to help transform her Shiz roommate Elphaba (Erivo), who has green skin, into someone more accepted. As these two contrasting characters grow increasingly friendly, they become good friends. Later in the movie, “Defying Gravity” serves as the dramatic finale, marking a poignant moment when Elphaba acknowledges and embraces her powers. It’s not surprising that some viewers, particularly those who haven’t seen the Broadway production, might feel disturbed by such an unexpected turn of events.
‘Wicked’ Is NOT a Sing-Along, That Comes Later
Jon M. Chu’s movie version of Wicked is being praised as an outstanding adaptation, but for those who haven’t seen the Broadway show, it might be challenging to appreciate or follow the story if audiences are singing along with the film in cinemas. And Angela Weir isn’t alone in her criticism – there are many others sharing similar sentiments on Reddit. In response to the growing debate about the Wicked sing-along, user MarvelWidowWitch wrote:
As a movie enthusiast, I’m shelling out $14.50 for a ticket to catch the latest flick. I yearn to immerse myself in the film without any interruptions. Singing during the movie isn’t my cup of tea, whether it’s someone who thinks they can carry a tune or a professional vocalist. I desire the original cast’s voices. Crank up the soundtrack before and after the movie in your car, home, or shower. Feel free to belt out the tunes, just save it for places other than the cinema where I’ve paid to experience the film uninterrupted.
U/musicalcasts writes in protest of those singing along at screenings:
Going to the movies tonight, I won’t mind if others chat or use their phones, just as it’s normal during any other film. However, should any singers decide to disrupt the screening, I’ll kindly ask them to keep quiet.
U/Yoshi_Dern added:
“I find it incredibly awkward and unnecessary to attend live concerts these days, because the focus often seems to shift towards who can shout the loudest instead of the actual artist we came to see. It feels disrespectful to both the performer and the audience, and I find this trend extremely uncomfortable.
The musical film “Wicked” is set to hit theaters on November 22nd and is predicted to generate over $80 million during its initial weekend. The cinematic version of this Broadway play, directed by Chu, has been garnering praise from both critics and fans. At present, “Wicked” holds a rating of 92% on the Tomatometer and an impressive 99% on the Rotten Tomatoes Popcornmeter. To avoid spoiling the movie experience for others, please refrain from singing along! Sing-alongs for “Wicked” are scheduled to begin on Christmas Day (as reported by Variety). Therefore, I kindly urge you to consider other viewers’ enjoyment and hold off on your singing until then.
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2024-11-21 01:35