Buffy sing-alongs are fan events where viewers sing along to an episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, particularly the musical episode “Once More With Feeling”. The tradition includes interactive roles and audience gags, similar to Rocky Horror Picture Show. The sing-alongs have become popular in theaters, but some have been shut down due to copyright issues. Despite this, the tradition is expected to continue if legal issues are resolved.
A Buffy sing-along is a fan tradition started by admirers of the TV show, Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Similar to midnight shows like Rocky Horror Picture Show a Buffy sing together features a theater presentation of an episode of Buffy where fans can take on interactive roles. The tradition is based on a famous musical episode of the show called Once More With Feeling.
In the musical episode, a demon forces the town of Sunnydale to express their secret fears and feelings through song and dance. What originally seems like a slightly creepy but amusing problem quickly turns into a disaster, as the outpouring of intense emotions leads some unfortunate residents to spontaneously combust. Once More With Feeling was written, composed and directed by show creator, Joss Whedon.
Once More With Feeling debuted in 2001 as part of the TV show’s sixth season. It was met with immediate critical praise for its songs, humor and innovation. The episode won nominations for several TV awards, and soon after, Buffy fans started singing along to the episode.
The sing-along tradition is based in part on a line in the opening song, which encourages viewers to sing along. Although sing together began as an event held at comic and fan conventions, it has spread to independent theaters across the United States. Traditions for the event vary between theaters, much as midnight showings of the Rocky Horror Picture Show varied regionally. Many traditions Buffy sings are similar to Rocky Horror gags, such as screaming lines and throwing props at the screen. Other productions use live casts to act out the action that takes place on screen.
Some interactive audience gags have spread from their original communities and become national trends. For example, whenever Dawn’s character appears on screen, fans yell at her to shut up. Similarly, when the vampire Spike appears, audience members yell “Bite me!” A famous scene in the script involves a random man singing about how the cleaners were able to remove a mustard stain from his shirt, and Buffy sings as viewers throw mustard packets at the screen in celebration of the moment.
The Buffy sing-along has become a popular tradition in theaters, but several productions have been shut down due to copyright issues stemming from 20th Century Fox. Despite attempts by show organizers to get legal permission to use the episode for sing-along at events, lawyers for Fox said it could violate licensing agreements. Creator Joss Whedon has spoken out against any closures, as he enjoys singing and occasionally participates in Los Angeles releases. Whedon and other Buffy staff and cast attended the performances to protest Fox’s stance.
Time will tell if Buffy Sing Along will have the longevity of similar cult shows like Rocky Horror. Parents should note that while the show is relatively tame for an episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, there is some violence and the occasional person catches fire. Many critics and fans of the show consider Once More With Feeling one of the best episodes of the long-running show, and the Buffy Sing Along lore looks set to become infamous if legal issues are resolved with Fox’s legal team.
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