Wickedfans have a reason to celebrate today. When the movie adaptation of the popular Broadway musical opened three weeks ago, it sparkeda big debateregarding whether it was OK for audience members to sing along as their favorite tunes debuted on screen. Some movie fans dismissed the behavior as rude, while others believed it showed their enthusiasm for a project that had been long in the making. Well, a Christmas miracle is being delivered for fans who want to sing without judgment becausesing-along screenings are coming just in time for the holidays on Dec. 25.
Per a press release fromUniversal Pictures,tickets are officially on sale for Christmas Day sing-along screenings of the film, which has already been a huge box office winner heading into this next holiday frame. The sing-along screenings of Wickedwere announced as news emerged that fans were already coming to theaters with a song in their hearts, perhaps to sway them away from doing this until a proper sing-along with fan screening was released, but they would not be denied. Singing still took place, with starCynthia Erivo encouraging fans to practice their vocal gymnasticswith fellow fans in movie theaters. While still standing by this behavior not being ok in non-singing screenings of the film, I say head to these Christmas Day sing-alone screenings and sing until you can’t sing anymore with your fellow like-mindedWickedfans.
The screenings will be held at more than1,000 theaters throughout the United States, Canada, and select international markets, and, in case you’re a newly initiated fan and don’t know all the words to the songs by heart, the screenings will feature on-screen lyrics. The showings will also come with a special introduction from stars Erivo and Ariana Grande, adding a personal touch to this expanded version of the film. Jim Orr, president of domestic theatrical distribution for Universal Pictures, had this to say about the momentous occasion:
“The overwhelming response toWickedhas been remarkable. These sing-along screenings offer fans a unique opportunity to become part of the story they’ve embraced so enthusiastically. There’s something extraordinarily special about experiencing this beloved musical together as a community, and we’re thrilled to create that opportunity this holiday season.”
Wicked Sings Itself to Box Office Supremacy And Awards Season Praise
Wickedhas been a true success without the addition of sing-along screenings, which are sure to give the movie continued legs over the long holiday stretch. To date, the film has grossed $457.5 million worldwide, with $322.1 million of that currently coming from the domestic front. After just three weeks of release,WickedsurpassedGreaseas the highest-grossing Broadway musical film adaptation at the domestic box office, a title held by the musical ’70s classic for 46 years.
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In addition to big box office,Wickedis setting itself up to be a big player at the Academy Awards, with the National Board of Review naming it thebest film of the year. It also recently receivedfour Golden Globe nominations, including nods for its two lead stars (Erivo and Grande) and a nomination for Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy. Given its glowing critical reviews, box office performance, and impact on the industry as a whole,Wickedwill more than likely bring musicals back to the Academy Awards in a big way.
Tickets for the sing-along screenings ofWickedcan be found athttp://wickedmovie.com/singalong/and fans of the film’s soundtrack can also look out for a special sing-along version of the soundtrack that will be released digitally on Dec. 20 to coincide with the special screenings on Dec. 25. Also, if you wish to enjoy Wicked but only want to hear Erivo, Grande, Jonathan Bailey and company sing the signature songs from the film, you may still enjoy standard showings minus the crowd participation.
Wicked adapts the Broadway musical into a two-part film, following the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, born with green skin, and Glinda, a popular aristocrat, in the Land of Oz. As they navigate their contrasting paths, they evolve into Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
