As The Rock, Cynthia Erivo And More Weigh In On Singing In Movie Theaters. I Hate To Disagree… But I Totally Do

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As a seasoned moviegoer who has spent countless hours in dimly lit theaters, huddled among fellow film enthusiasts, I must say I find the recent advocacy for singing in theaters by Dwayne Johnson and Cynthia Erivo to be somewhat perplexing.

Experiencing the pure joy of settling into a cozy cinema chair, losing oneself in an epic on-screen journey, ideally accompanied by a tub of popcorn, is simply unmatched. Regrettably, at times, the cinematic experience can be disrupted by thoughtless neighbors crunching snacks, chattering, or using their mobile devices, casting annoying blue light and distractions. These annoyances have kept many away from theaters in recent times, but with blockbusters like the critically-acclaimed Moana II and Wicked Part 1, we’re finally seeing people cautiously return to the big screen.

Wow, it’s quite unexpected to see gaming enthusiasts like myself hearing about Dwayne Johnson and Cynthia Erivo advocating for theater-goers to belt out tunes during their movie musicals this week. Frankly, I can’t help but scratch my head in bewilderment!

What Dwayne Johnson And Cynthia Erivo Said About Singing In Theaters

Since there are currently two musical movies playing in cinemas, it’s understandable that the stars of those productions might get questions about their thoughts on the matter. In response to being asked about performing songs in a theater setting, Dwayne Johnson shared his perspective.

As a music enthusiast, I’ve splurged my savings on a ticket to this musical, and here I am, fully immersed in the performance. So, let me join in the chorus and sing along!

Cynthia Erivo expressed a favorable opinion when asked about people singing along to songs in theaters, referring to it as “wonderful”. During her interview at yesterday’s Thanksgiving Parade with Hoda Kotb, she stated that she approves of this practice. Watching this unfold on television left me speechless.

While it’s true that we live in a time where individuality is encouraged and self-expression is valued, let me clarify that “doing yourself” doesn’t equate to a world that revolves around you or making decisions solely for personal gain. Instead, it encourages finding balance between personal growth and considerate actions towards others.

In the context of attending a theater performance, as The Rock pointed out, I spent my hard-earned cash to enjoy a top-notch theatrical experience and listen to Erivo’s captivating rendition of “Defying Gravity” (alongside other fantastic Wicked songs). I don’t expect anyone, including the person in Row 3, to join in singing, and such behavior isn’t suitable for a movie theater setting.

Of course, there are exceptions, and I’ll get into those below.

Why Sing-A-Long Screenings Are The Best Of Both Worlds

If you found yourself at a matinee showing of Moana II, I wouldn’t be surprised if some children were a bit boisterous and reacting to the action on screen. There’s an endearing quality about young kids experiencing cinema for the first (or even second or third) time, as they tend to engage more emotionally with what unfolds on the big screen. It would be rather uncool of me to get irritated at a child for shouting “Moana!” during a daytime screening. However, that’s exactly why Moana is also shown later in the evening for adults who still appreciate animated films.

At 7 pm, I watched “Inside Out 2”. My viewing experience was quite distinct compared to what it might’ve been if I had gone to the movie at 2 pm on a Sunday. In that scenario, I would likely have encountered a much different audience, potentially leading to a dissimilar outcome. Yet, that’s perfectly fine.

Additionally, certain cinemas are hosting boisterous screenings of films such as Wicked, which feature sing-alongs. These interactive showings are intended to be participatory; audience members are encouraged to sing along, and I’m thrilled that this choice is available. However, it’s crucial for these events to be clearly advertised and announced in advance. It wouldn’t be fair to surprise patrons who have paid for a theatrical experience and not an active role within the theatrical performance.

In South Korea, some theaters are now offering private viewing boxes for those seeking a more tailored theater experience. If such an option were available in the U.S., I’d definitely join in on the fun! However, currently, many people gather to watch movies like “Wicked” and “Moana II” in large groups. An essential part of this shared experience is learning appropriate behavior and reading the atmosphere around you.

It’s rather unusual to expect Erivo or The Rock to express their opinions about a movie they’ve likely never watched with regular audiences, given that they probably don’t attend movies in public settings. To put it simply, it’s impolite to interrupt performers during a live stage performance like Wicked, so it’s an odd question to begin with.

In a cinema setting, it’s not appropriate or considerate to spontaneously start singing and disturb other film viewers, no matter how passionate a fan you are, or how good a singer you might be. If the urge to sing arises, it would be best to wait until the movie becomes available on video-on-demand (VOD) and then host your own sing-along screening instead. Alternatively, consider renting out your own theater for this purpose. Honestly, please do so, as it’s important to respect others’ experience of watching a movie in peace.

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2024-11-29 22:08