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

Dwayne Johnson tells the audience to sing in the theater if they want to. The A-list actor and producer reprises the voice role of demigod Maui in Disney’s animated musical sequel “Moana 2,” which hits theaters on November 27. The blockbuster opening of “Wicked” sparked a debate over whether or not moviegoers should be able to sing out loud during a musical film. For example, some theaters outright asked their patrons to “not sing” during “Wicked.”

But Johnson thinks differently, telling the BBC on the “Moana 2” red carpet: “Sing! You paid your hard-earned money for a ticket, you went to a musical, and you’re looking forward to 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 disruptions at screenings.

“AMC has long had a policy prohibiting disruptive behavior,” he told the publication. “The ‘Wicked’ preshow spot (which includes ‘no singing’) incorporates the film’s themes as a fun, engaging reminder to moviegoers not to disrupt the experience for those around them as they enjoy the show. ”

Variety exclusively reported ahead of “Wicked’s” opening day that Universal Pictures would be showing a sing-along version of “Wicked” this Christmas. These are performances where the audience is encouraged to sing. Until then, singing is not preferred so as not to disrupt the experience for other ticket buyers.

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

“Wicked” is now playing in theaters across the country.

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