Some ardent enthusiasts of Wicked who attended screenings of the film at AMC theaters adorned their faces in vibrant green paint, mirroring the iconic character Elphaba, portrayed by Cynthia Erivo. However, it appears that these fans have faced unexpected restrictions upon arrival, being instructed to remove their face paint before gaining entry to the venue.
In the wake of Jon M. Chu’s cinematic adaptation debuting in theaters last weekend, numerous social media users have posted videos showcasing themselves in full green face paint as a homage to the Broadway classic. Nevertheless, a significant number of attendees have reportedly been denied access and required to wash off their makeup in the restroom prior to being allowed into the screenings.
"This is the dumbest rule I’ve ever heard," declared TikToker Celine Serrano in a recent video, expressing her frustration with AMC’s policy. She lamented, “Apparently AMC won’t let you put face paint on,” sharing her experience of being redirected to wash off her makeup.
Another TikToker, whose companion faced a similar fate for sporting face paint, captured a poignant moment of their friend removing makeup in the restroom. “PSA: Do not show up to an AMC wearing face paint; they will not let you in,” they cautioned, conveying their experience at the Burbank AMC in Los Angeles.
According to AMC’s established guidelines, which can be found on their website, face paint, helmets, masks (with the exception of standard face masks for health reasons), and any items obscuring the face are expressly prohibited due to safety concerns. This policy echoes the regulations upheld by other major cinema chains, including Regal and Cinemark.
Contrarily, certain theaters have welcomed patrons arriving in costume. “Can’t relate to being kicked out of the theater; mine let me in with all of this,” exclaimed another TikToker, celebrating the appreciative reception they received.
Earlier this week, AMC reiterated that singing along to Wicked during screenings is also not permitted, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining a tranquil viewing environment.
Vocabulary List:
- Ardent /ˈɑːr.dənt/ (adjective): Having or expressing deep passion or enthusiasm.
- Portrayed /pɔːrˈtreɪd/ (verb): Represented or depicted in a particular way often in art or performance.
- Restrictions /rɪˈstrɪk.ʃənz/ (noun): Rules or regulations that limit or control what can be done.
- Prohibited /prəˈhɪb.ɪ.tɪd/ (adjective): Forbiddingly or barred by law or rule.
- Concerns /kənˈsɜrnz/ (noun): Matters of interest or importance related to a particular topic.
- Tranquil /ˈtræŋ.kwɪl/ (adjective): Calm peaceful and free from disturbance.
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