Cynthia Erivo watches over ‘evil’ fans who sing along in cinemas

On By Littum

Evil star Cynthia Erivo says she’s fine with fans singing along to the musical in theaters.

“Good! I’m ok with that,” she said during a chat with Today‘s Hoda Kotb, Al Roker and Savannah Guthrie during today’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. “We spent so much time singing it ourselves, it’s time for everyone else to join in. It’s wonderful.”

Erivo plays Elphaba in Jon M. Chu’s film adaptation of the record-breaking musical.

Fans singing along during screenings of the film have sparked an online debate about audience behavior in cinemas. Some theater managers have asked moviegoers to become their mother through the show.

Among those opposed to audience sing-alongs is AMC Theater spokesman Ryan Noonan, who told the Indianapolis Star that AMC has asked moviegoers not to sing during the musical to prevent disruptions.

“AMC has a longstanding policy prohibiting disruptive behavior,” he told the publication. “The ‘Wicked’ preshow spot (which includes ‘no song’) incorporates the film’s themes as a fun, engaging reminder to moviegoers not to disrupt the experience of those around them while enjoying the show.”

Enjoying being a part of the film, Erivo tells Kotb, Roker and Guthrie, “It’s the most wonderful, incredible experience ever. It’s such a wonderful thing to be able to share with everyone. We’ve been keeping it to ourselves and now we can everyone else sees it.”

Erivo also presented Kotb with a bouquet of flowers during the broadcast, as a tribute to the long-timer Today co-host who is leaving the show in January.

“Before you even begin, these flowers are for you because I know this is the last Thanksgiving parade you’re doing and I wanted to celebrate and I wanted to say we love you,” Erivo told Kotb. “Thank you for all the hard work you’ve done all these years.”