Cynthia Erivo Weighs In On ‘Wicked’ Fans Singing Along In Theaters

Wicked star Cynthia Erivo says she’s perfectly fine with fans singing along to the musical in movie theaters.

“Good! I’m OK with it,” she said during a chat with Today‘s Hoda Kotb, Al Roker and Savannah Guthrie during today’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. “We spent this long singing it ourselves, it’s time for everyone else to join in. It’s wonderful.”

Erivo plays Elphaba in Jon M. Chu’s film adaptation of the musical which has been breaking records at the box office.

Fans singing along during screenings of the film has sparked an online debate about audience conduct in theaters. Some theater managers have requested moviegoers stay mum through the show.

Among those opposed to audiences singing along is AMC Theatres spokesperson Ryan Noonan who told the Indianapolis Star that AMC has asked moviegoers not to sing during the musical to prevent disruptions.

“AMC has a long-standing policy that prohibits disruptive behavior,” he told the publication. “The ‘Wicked’ preshow spot [which includes ‘no singing’] incorporates the themes of the film as a fun, engaging reminder to moviegoers to not disrupt the experience for those around them as they enjoy the show.”

Erivo is relishing being a part of the movie, telling Kotb, Roker and Guthrie, “It’s the most wonderful, unbelievable experience ever. This is such a wonderful thing to be able to share with everyone. We’ve been keeping it to ourselves, and now everyone else can watch it.”

Erivo also presented Kotb with a bouquet of flowers during the broadcast, in a tribute to the longtime Today co-host who is leaving the show in January.

“Before you even begin, these flowers are for you because I know this is the last Thanksgiving parade you’re doing, and I wanted to celebrate that, and I wanted to say we love you,” Erivo told Kotb. “Thank you for all of the hard work you’ve done for all of these years.”