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“Dwayne Johnson: Sing in the Movie Theater if You Wish!”

2024-11-25

Dwayne Johnson, the renowned A-list actor and producer, is making a significant statement in the movie theater realm. With his voice role as the demigod Maui in Disney's animated musical sequel “Moana 2,” set to open in theaters on November 27, he encourages audiences to let their voices soar. This comes at a time when the blockbuster opening of “Wicked” sparked a heated debate about whether moviegoers should be allowed to sing during musical films. Some theaters have taken a strict stance, asking patrons to refrain from singing, while Johnson holds a different view.

Unlock the Joy of Singing in the Movie Theater

Johnson's Perspective on Singing in the Theater

On the “Moana 2” red carpet, Johnson passionately expressed his belief. He said, “Sing! You’ve paid your hard-earned money for a ticket, and you’ve gone into a musical, and you’re into it. Sing.” This shows his deep understanding and love for music. He believes that singing in the theater is a natural part of the experience, especially for those who have a passion for music. It adds an extra layer of fun and connection to the movie.Moreover, he added, “Especially if you love music, that’s the fun part.” This emphasizes the importance of music in our lives and how it can enhance our movie-watching experience. Johnson's words resonate with many who believe that singing in the theater is a way to fully immerse oneself in the magic of a musical film.

The Debate Surrounding Singing in “Wicked”

The opening weekend of “Wicked” saw a significant debate on this topic. AMC Theatres spokesperson Ryan Noonan told the Indianapolis Star that the theater chain asked moviegoers not to sing during the musical movie to prevent screening disturbances. He emphasized that AMC has a long-standing policy that prohibits disruptive behavior. The “Wicked” preshow spot, which includes a “no singing” message, is designed to incorporate the themes of the film and serve as a fun, engaging reminder to moviegoers to not disrupt the experience for those around them.This shows the challenge faced by theaters in balancing the desire for an immersive musical experience with the need to maintain a peaceful and enjoyable environment for all. While some theaters take a strict stance, others, like Johnson, encourage audiences to embrace the joy of singing.

Universal Pictures' Sing-Along Version of “Wicked”

Variety exclusively reported ahead of “Wicked’s” opening day that Universal Pictures would start screening a sing-along version of the film on Christmas. This is a unique offering that encourages audience members to sing along and fully engage with the music. It shows that there is a demand for such an experience and that theaters are willing to adapt to meet the needs of their customers.However, until then, singing is not preferred as to not disrupt the experience for other ticket buyers. This highlights the importance of considering the needs and preferences of all moviegoers and finding a balance between allowing expression and maintaining order.“Wicked” star Ariana Grande also weighed in on the topic during the film’s press tour. She said, “We understand it if you [sing]. We respect the feelings… but if someone throws popcorn at you, their phone or something, maybe stop.” This shows that while there is some leniency, there are also boundaries that need to be respected.In conclusion, the debate about singing in the movie theater continues, with different perspectives and policies at play. Johnson's stance and the introduction of the sing-along version of “Wicked” offer new options for audiences to enjoy musical films in a unique way. Whether you choose to sing or simply listen, the magic of music in the theater is undeniable.