Can you wear color to watch “Wicked”? See rules at AMC, other theaters

Pink goes well with green, but maybe not in the cinema.

If you’re one of the particularly enthusiastic and extremely dedicated fan base that wants to go all out for “Wicked” in theaters, you might want to think again.

The long-awaited film adaptation of the Tony Award-winning series starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo grossed $114 million in its opening weekend alone, as millions flocked to see the two-act first installment of the series. The more obvious ways to dress for the occasion are to imitate the main actresses with sassy little gowns like Grande, who plays Glinda, and green skin like Erivo, who appears as Elphaba.

But some major theaters across the country are saying no, at least to some clothing items.

Theatergoers have reported on social media and elsewhere about problems entering movie theaters like AMC and Cinemark, particularly wearing green face and body paint. Several viral posts detail customers being turned away or asked to scrub off the paint in the bathroom. Still others said they were allowed into the same chains without any problems.

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Still, some confusion remains as internet users reportedly feel that the rules are unclear or have not been consistently enforced.

Are you worried about breaking the cinema rules when you try to snag a seat to watch Elphaba defy gravity? Here’s what you should know.

Ready to sing along to “Wicked”?This doesn’t happen in AMC theaters

Fans turned away from AMC and Cinemark because they appeared green

Many fans channel their inner theater child at “Wicked” screenings and choose to dress up as their favorite characters and attend the screenings in creative and sometimes impressive attire.

The two favorites are of course sparkly pink Glinda looks and moody black and green Elphaba looks. However, some of the particularly enthusiastic devotees who went to the trouble of painting their skin to match Elphaba’s green complexion faced mixed reactions in theaters.

In some cases, people say they were let in wearing some pretty elaborate costumes, like one TikToker @gabrielle.legg, who was not only painted green but also wore a custom-made broom, dress, wig and hat.

However, other posters shared on multiple platforms that they were thrown out of theaters or asked to remove paint before being allowed inside.

In a video by @jamieforst, which has garnered nearly 17 million views, a young woman is seen attempting to wipe the green from her face in the theater bathroom, accompanied by text overlay that explains, “PSA: Don’t show up an AMC.” If you wear face paint, they won’t let you in.

Another fan, @sincerelycynser, posted that they were kicked out of a Cinemark theater for wearing green paint, while others like @celineserrano84 reported being told to wash off their makeup in the bathroom before entering .

AMC declined to comment or clarify the face paint and costume rules, referring USA TODAY to the company’s policy banning face paint, as stated on its website. Cinemark and Regal did not respond to requests for comment.

Comments on all the videos were mixed, with some saying the rule was clear and well-known, especially after the 2012 mass shooting that occurred at a Century 16 theater in Aurora, Colorado, during a midnight screening of “The Dark Knight Rises.” .”

Others seemed puzzled by apparent inconsistencies in enforcement.

“Please look up what happened during a midnight showing at a movie theater in Aurora, Colorado in 2012…that’s the rule at every movie theater,” reads one comment, which is repeated in many similar posts. However, others pointed out that other recent film releases appeared to have more lax enforcement.

“Still, everyone for Minions (including me) painted their faces to watch the movie and there was no problem,” one said. “I literally went to the theater in full green,” another said amid a barrage of comments questioning the consistent enforcement of the rules.

Can you wear face paint to see “Wicked” in the theater?

The official answer? Probably not.

Major movie theater chains such as AMC, Regal and Cinemark have specifically issued rules against certain clothing, including face paint.

AMC’s website states that costumes are generally permitted, but prop weapons, face paint, helmets, sub-health masks, and anything else that covers the face are not permitted. Cinemark has similar rules prohibiting face paint, simulated weapons or face masks other than personal protective masks.

Other major chains, including Regal Theaters, Showcase Cinemas, Cineplex, Landmark Theaters and Marcus Theaters, have similar policies on their websites banning face paint and banning costumes that obscure the face.

While some have reported being allowed into their local locations in full face paint and costumes, official policy dictates that these people may have been lucky – but as a general rule, face paint is to be avoided.

Why are face paint, masks and some costumes banned in cinemas?

The guidelines likely exist for various practical reasons (who wants to clean up spilled popcorn?). And Paint-stained seats after a screening?), movie theaters across the country have implemented safety measures following the 2012 mass shootings.

During the attack, 24-year-old James Eagan Holmes killed 12 people and injured 70 others by using tear gas grenades and multiple weapons. He was dressed all in black and wore a gas mask and ballistic helmet over his face and head, as well as a bulletproof vest, leggings, a throat protector, a jock strap and tactical gloves.

Originally, some who noticed him thought he was simply dressing up for the film. To make matters worse, his clothing and the initial concealment of his face and identity meant he could have been mistaken for police when first responders arrived at the scene.

So, fearful of possible copycat crime, U.S. theaters quickly implemented stricter and more specific security policies, including ones that dictate what can be worn inside the building.

More “Wicked” cinematic drama

“Wicked” hit theaters on Friday and covers the first part of the popular Broadway musical. Earlier this week, AMC made headlines for pushing back fans hoping to sing the popular songs from their seats.

After word spread on social media that the “Wicked” screenings would be the site of wild musical theater kids sing-a-longs, AMC got involved.

“At AMC Theaters, silence is golden,” reads a 30-second note before the film.

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