Perhaps the most anticipated movie of the holiday season, “Wicked: Part 1” is sparking debate over expectations for how audiences should behave during the musical, which opens in theaters this weekend.
To sing along or not?
Theater chain AMC asked audiences to remain quiet during screenings. However, some fans have strong opinions on whether or not they should be allowed to sing.
The sign read, “To those watching ‘Wicked,’ we ask that everyone enjoy the movie experience. Please refrain from singing during the screening.”
Some people online agreed with AMC that they wanted to hear from the stars, not the audience. One moviegoer brought a poster to the theater that read, “Beware Ozian. Don’t sing, no matter how beautiful (or not) you are!”
Some people argued that since the film is a musical, singing should be allowed, especially on the first day of release.
Actress Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba in the movie, said in an interview with StayTunedNBC, “If you can come in for the first time and sing all the way to the end, I would say please sing all the way to the end.” “But when you come again, let’s sing.”
Ariana Grande, who plays Glinda, added that she understands the “tempting” urge to sing along, but also respects the reasons people don’t sing. She said if someone throws popcorn, “maybe stop.”
But there is hope for those who have a song in their hearts. According to Variety, AMC plans to show the singalong version in select theaters in North America on Christmas Day, just over a month after the film’s release.
Max Sisotti/Dave Bennett/WireImage
Who’s in the star-studded cast?
Erivo is a Tony and Grammy Award-winning British actress and singer who rose to fame starring in the Broadway revival of The Color Purple. She played Harriet Tubman in the 2019 biopic Harriet, for which she was nominated for an Oscar.
Grande is a Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, and actress who began her career on Broadway’s “13” and later appeared in several shows on Nickelodeon. She is widely known as a pop music superstar for hit songs like “7 Rings” and “Thank U, Next.”
Jonathan Bailey plays Fiyero, a prince and Elphaba’s lover. Bailey rose to fame starring in the Netflix series Bridgerton and has a musical background in West End productions including Les Misérables and Company.
Ethan Slater, known for his role as SpongeBob in Broadway’s “SpongeBob SquarePants,” plays Elphaba’s younger sister Nessarose’s lover.
Oscar-winning icon Michelle Yeoh plays Madame Morrible, the principal of Shizu University. Her most recent win came from her starring role in “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” President Biden awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom earlier this year.
Renowned actor Jeff Goldblum plays the Wizard. Some of his most famous blockbusters include “Jurassic Park” and “Independence Day.” He has also received critical acclaim in Wes Anderson films and has appeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Award-winning actor Peter Dinklage plays Dr. Dillamond, the goat professor at SID University. He is best known for his role as Tyrion Lannister on Game of Thrones.
“Saturday Night Live” star and comedian Bowen Yang plays Fanny, one of Glinda’s friends.
Miss Coddle will be played by Keira Settle, known for her role as Angelique/Nurse in “The Greatest Showman” and the West End musical “& Juliet.” The original character was created for the 2024 movie.
What is it about (no spoilers)? What else you need to know
“Wicked: Part 1” is the first in a two-part film series based on the musical “Wicked”, which is based on the book “Wicked” by Gregory Maguire. This work is based on “The Wizard of Oz”.
The 2024 film depicts the unlikely friendship between Glinda the Good Witch and Elphaba the Bad Witch as college roommates. The two head to the city of Oz to meet the Wizard.
Running time is 2 hours and 44 minutes. Fans should not expect a post-credits scene after the movie ends.
“Wicked: Part 2” is scheduled to be released on November 21, 2025.
What is “Glicky”?
A Fandango poll in November found that nearly 65% of moviegoers were interested in seeing the Wicked and Gladiator II double feature in theaters. Both films were released on the same weekend.
The movie combo has the name “Glicked,” which is reminiscent of 2023’s “Balbenheimer.”
