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To the average cinema-goer, the idea of people singing along to the movie they are watching might seem absurd. Most theaters play a very sternly worded message at the start that warns viewers to turn off their phones and sit in silence for the next few hours. And yet, theater chains in the United States have been issuing warnings to those going to see Wicked that they should not sing along with the film, even if they know the songs by heart. That might seem like sensible advice, but I think they’re missing the point of musical theater.

The truth is that I have always been a bit baffled by the concept of turning a musical into a film. At its core, watching a stage musical is a different experience from watching a movie. The pacing is different, with intervals so you can get up and stretch your legs (something that, for the sake of my aging bladder, longer movies should adopt) and pauses while the crew shifts scenery around. It is a more relaxed atmosphere, where it is not just expected but encouraged for fans to cheer and clap at the end of most musical numbers.

While most shows don’t delve into the realm of true interactivity, it is still a much more interactive experience than watching a movie. The cast is right there and can hear your reaction, after all. It would almost be rude not to let them know you’re enjoying yourself. Your enthusiasm feeds their performance. Sitting there in silence, while the pinnacle of good behavior in the cinema, only indicates that you’re Not Impressed with the show you’re seeing.

If I can’t cheer as Jean Valjean casts off his chains of imprisonment or the cast of Avenue Q reminds me that I can indeed be as loud as the hell I want when I'm making love, then what is the point? Musicals are designed to move you to extremes of emotion, so the only choice you have is to cheer, clap, and sing. Exactly the kind of behavior that would have you firmly but politely asked to leave most showings of Wicked.

So, am I going to go see Wicked in cinemas? Almost certainly; the cast has names I love, and I’m genuinely intrigued to see if they try to deviate from the iconic stage show. However, I do so begrudgingly and in full knowledge that the film version simply can’t replicate the experience of seeing a musical on stage. Some things only work when you can feel like you’re part of the action yourself.

At least theaters understood the assignment and are going to let fans sing along at some showings of Wicked, though they're making us wait until Christmas to do it. Clearly Santa got the memo and is giving us what we really want this year. It is just too bad that we're going to have to wait a month to watch the movie the way it was meant to be seen; with me warbling at the top of my lungs to the discomfort of everyone around me.

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