‘Wicked’ controversy: To sing or not to sing? Fans are divided over whether it’s OK to sing along in theatres

Since it was released last week, fans and critics seem to be mostly united in their enthusiasm for “Wicked,” the first part of Jon M. Chu’s film adaptation of the beloved stage musical.

The movie, which stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, currently has a very stellar 90 per cent rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It opened at No. 1 at the box office, raking in some $114 million, according to studio estimates, making it the biggest opening ever for a film based on a Broadway musical.

But there appears to be at least one controversy dividing the devotees of Oz: Is it OK for moviegoers to sing along in the theatre?

The question bubbled up on social media earlier this month, when moviegoers began sharing photos from screenings at AMC theatres — the largest American theatre chain — reminding guests about audience etiquette.

“To our guests seeing Wicked, we ask that you allow everyone to enjoy the cinema experience,” the signs read. “Please refrain from singing during the show.”

The signs also said that a singalong version would be screening later in the year.

Most people seemed to agree with the no-singing sentiment.

”(Y)ou wouldn’t sing at a theatre showing a stage production of ’(W)icked,’ why would you sing at one showing a movie adaptation of it?” one fan posted on X. ”(T)heatre etiquette applies to all theatres.”

“Unless it’s a special, ‘singalong’ event, YOU should be the one to wait to stream it, so you can sing to your heart’s content at home, rather than ruining the experience for everyone else at the theater,” wrote Chicago movie critic Richard Roeper. “They’re paying to hear Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, not you.”

Others disagreed: ”(T)hey really said no theater kids behavior allowed im crying” quipped one user.

“Maybe they should embrace it. This could become this generations Rocky Horror,” another X user wrote, referencing the 1975 cult film “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” for which audiences are encouraged to sing (and act) during screenings.

However, on Thursday, Erivo herself complicated matters when she weighed in during an interview with Access Hollywood.

“Good. I’m OK with it,” Eviro responded when asked about whether it was OK for fans to sing along. “We spent this long singing it ourselves — it’s time for everyone else to join in. It’s wonderful.”

Here’s how other fans are reacting to the controversy.