The smell of popcorn, the sound of laughter and students singing their hearts out to a Broadway-musical-turned film brought the cinema to campus.

On Tuesday, April 1, students gathered in the Social Justice Center for a sing-along screening of the musical film “Wicked,” a first-of-its-kind event made in partnership with the Gender Sexuality Alliance club, Pride Center and Social Justice Center.

“I wouldn’t consider myself a musical fan,” Ellie Navarro, a 22-year-old biology major said. “I mean, I’ve definitely watched [and] listened to a couple, but this was definitely the best experience I’ve had so far.”

Navarro, along with many others, had yet to see the highest-grossing musical film released last November and decided to see it for the first time by attending the Social Justice Center’s screening.

Some, like Artemis Santos, a 24-year-old psychology major and Inter-Club Council representative for the GSA, had already seen the movie twice.

Regardless, they both found this afternoon screening unique in its setting.

“It was very nice to have this more personal setting,” Navarro said. “It lightened everything up in a way. It made it feel lively.”

Yet the film’s stunning visuals, iconic cast and catchy music weren’t the main reasons why the GSA proposed this mid-day musical screening, Pride Center Coordinator Kenny Simkins said.

“‘Wicked’ in and of itself is a movie about inclusivity and acceptance of everybody,” Simkins said, explaining how the climate of our new administration advocates for the erasure of LGBTQ+ people and immigrants.

Underneath the many portraits of notable social justice figures, from Cesar Chavez to Michelle Obama, students watched as “Wicked” represented many themes the Social Justice Center stands for.

“The big message for ‘Wicked’ is that it explores the themes of friendship, self-discovery and standing proud in your truth,” Simkins said. “We thought those messages deeply resonated with our students in GSA and students on campus in general.”

One concept that especially resonated with movie-goers was Elphaba’s empathy for the animals of Oz, who were being actively silenced and marginalized, which ultimately labeled her the villain.

Navarro reflected on how burdensome caring for the suffering of those who are different than us can be and how refusing to step up for the marginalized is what “Wicked” deems as the hindrance of social progress.

“It might feel wonderful to be able to just step away, pretend that it doesn’t exist,” Navarro said.

Singing show tunes in unison like “Defying Gravity” over a plethora of popcorn achieved what the GSA intended when proposing the event.

“To bring people together and to have a safe space,” Simkins said.

Simkins said that while this was the first movie musical sing-along hosted in the Social Justice Center, it won’t be the last, with screenings in May, September and “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” in October on the books.

So, whether you consider yourself a musical lover or find yourself feeling an “unadulterated loathing” for them, Santos gave a simple call to action to those on the fence about attending the next sing-along.

“Come and support GSA,” Santos said.