The recent release of Jon M Chu’s Wicked to cinemas has brought a mass of controversy about
cinema etiquette. The release of the long-awaited movie should have been a time for celebration,
but instead became a mass debate.
At the time of the release, American Multi-Cinemas Theatres (AMC Theatres) posted signs to prevent
any disturbance during the screening of the film, one of which said, “To our guests seeing Wicked,
we ask that you allow everyone to enjoy the cinema experience. Please refrain from singing during
the show.” This sign was posted among others, of which some read, “At AMC Theatres, silence is
golden. No talking. No texting. No singing. No wailing. No flirting. And absolutely no name-calling.
Enjoy the magic of movies.”
AMC Theatres spokesperson, Ryan Noonan told Indianapolis Star that the theatre chain company
has asked viewers to refrain from singing, and stated that, “AMC has a long-standing policy that
prohibits disruptive behaviour.”
Ariana Grande, who played Glinda in the film adaptation of the musical, told Vanity Fair, “We
understand it if you sing. We respect the feelings… but if someone throws popcorn at you, their
phone or something, maybe stop.”
Cynthia Erivo, who played Elphaba in Wicked, also spoke to Vanity Fair, and she said, “If you come
the first time and you sing through, sing through. But come a second time and let us sing to you.”
This sparked an uproar among the public, especially in concern of whether the same rule would be
applied to the release of Disney’s Moana 2. Across social media, it has been up for debate whether it
is acceptable to sing in a cinema.
At the movie premier in London, Dwayne Johnson, who plays Maui in Moana 2, told the BBC, “Sing!
You’ve paid your hard-earned money for a ticket, and you’ve gone into a musical, and you’re into it.
Sing.” He also said, “Especially if you love music, that’s the fun part.”
Who do you agree with? Let me know in the comments below.
Ruchita Yr9
Boston High School Newsroom
This was an interesting article! The thought of buying a ticket to go to the cinema and having to listen to those around me singing makes me shudder. If people want to sing, they should wait until the film is available to stream in their living rooms, rather than disturbing other people’s peace and quiet. We want to hear Ariana and Cynthia, not the squawks of our fellow cinemagoers. The cinema is a public space… let’s have consideration for other people.