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Singing from the audience now welcome at (some) ‘Wicked’ showings
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande attend Universal's "Wicked" premiere at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles.
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Valerie Macon
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AFP via Getty Images
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Topline:
“Wicked” singalong screenings start Wednesday, Dec. 25 at several Los Angeles and Orange County theaters.
The backstory: As Oz citizens celebrate the Wicked Witch of the West’s demise, Glinda the Good Witch reveals a more complicated backstory linked to their university friendship.
That’s not the backstory I was talking about: The famed Broadway musical debuted on the silver screen on Nov. 22 with Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. Now, after a month of reminders that “silence is golden,” theaters are inviting audiences to join the chorus.
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Group singing is good for you: Sure, you’ve been able to belt out “Defying Gravity” in the shower or during your commute alongside the movie’s official soundtrack, but there’s something special to the group singalong experience. Research has found people can feel less stressed and more connected after hitting the high notes together— or at least trying to. “You do not need to be a trained singer or highly talented singer to receive these benefits from group singing,” said Frank Russo, who co-directs the Toronto Metropolitan University’s SingWell Project. “I think what's critical is that everyone has the same collective goals, that we're here to have a good time. We're here to sing together and to enjoy singing together.”
Get tickets: In Los Angeles, there are singalong screenings scheduled at several AMC theaters including The Grove, Del Amo and Universal Cinema through at least Jan. 2. In Orange County, there are also showings at Orange and Huntington Beach Cinemark theaters.
Go deeper: Fans say, don't sing along when 'Wicked' hits theaters — at least, not yet
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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