‘Sing! “You paid your hard-earned money for a ticket”

Dwayne Johnson urges audiences to sing in the cinema if they want. The high-profile actor and producer will reprise his voice as demigod Maui in Disney’s animated musical sequel “Moana 2,” hitting theaters November 27. The blockbuster opening of “Wicked” sparked a debate about whether or not moviegoers should be able to sing loudly during a musical film. For example, some theaters directly asked their guests to “refrain from singing” during “Wicked.”

But Johnson sees it differently and tells the BBC on the red carpet of “Moana 2”: “Sing! You paid your hard-earned money for a ticket, went to a musical and loved it. Sing.”

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AMC Theaters spokesman Ryan Noonan told the Indianapolis Star during “Wicked’s” opening weekend that the theater chain asked moviegoers not to sing during the musical film to avoid disrupting the screening.

“AMC has a longstanding policy prohibiting disruptive behavior,” he told the publication. “The “Wicked” preshow spot (which also includes “No Singing”) takes on the themes of the film and reminds moviegoers in a fun and engaging way not to disrupt the experience for those around them while they enjoy the show.”

diversity exclusively reported ahead of “Wicked’s” opening day that Universal Pictures would begin screening a sing-along version of “Wicked” on Christmas. These are performances in which the audience is encouraged to sing. Until then, there will be no singing so as not to disrupt the experience for other ticket buyers.

“Wicked” star Ariana Grande was asked during the film’s press tour if audience members would sing during the film, to which she replied, “We understand when you (sing).” We respect the feelings… but when someone hears you, throws popcorn at his phone or something, maybe stop.”

“Wicked” is now playing in cinemas nationwide.

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