Hippodrome Theatre | Best Seats for Chicago - The Musical

Expert Guide to Finding Perfect Tickets at France-Merrick PAC

Discover the best seats for Chicago - The Musical at Baltimore's historic Hippodrome Theatre. Our seating guide highlights value picks, premium views, and hidden gems in this beautifully restored venue. From budget-friendly balcony seats to VIP orchestra experiences, we'll help you choose tickets that match your priorities.

Best Value Tickets (Under $100)

• Upper Balcony (CUBAL/U, RUBAL/W, LUBAL/V): $76 - Excellent budget option with surprisingly good sightlines. Rows U-W are steeply raked, ensuring clear stage views over patrons in front.
• Upper Balcony Center (LUBALV/M): $88 - Mid-balcony position offers better acoustics than rear rows while maintaining affordability.
• Mid-Balcony Sides (RMBALV/E, LMBALV/E): $90 - Closer to stage than upper balcony with minimal side angle distortion.

Sweet Spot Seating ($100-$150)

• Orchestra Sides (ORCH LEFT/G, ORCH RIGHT/G): $102-$108 - Exceptional value for proximity. These side sections place you just 15-20 rows back with full stage visibility.
• Mid-Balcony Center (RUBAL/Q-S, LUBAL/Q-S): $103-$129 - Ideal balance of price and view. Rows Q-S sit at the balcony's natural focal point.
• Orchestra Rear (LORCH/FF): $109 - Last rows of main orchestra still offer excellent sightlines with comfortable legroom.

Premium Orchestra Seats ($150-$250)

• Orchestra Center (LORCH/CC-EE, RORCH/BB-CC): $152-$180 - The "golden zone" for serious theatergoers. Rows CC-EE place you mid-house for perfect acoustics and viewing angles.
• Front Orchestra Sides (ORCH LEFT/E, ORCH RIGHT/E): $156-$172 - Close-up experience at reasonable premium. You'll see facial expressions clearly from these rows.
• Center Orchestra (CORCH/BB-CC): $173-$206 - Unobstructed head-on views. These are often held for season subscribers, so availability is rare.

VIP & Last-Minute Options ($250+)

• Front Center Orchestra (CORCH/DD-EE): $227-$238 - For ultimate luxury. These seats place you in the "director's view" position with perfect sightlines.
• Orchestra Front Rows (ORCHESTRA/FF, ORCH CTR/FF): $307-$314 - Experience the show like a Broadway producer. You'll hear every whisper and see every detail.
• Diamond Seats (ORCH LEFT/DD, ORCH CTR/DD): $379-$551 - The theatre's premium offering with extra legroom, dedicated entrance, and concierge service.

Key Viewing Considerations

• Balcony vs. Orchestra: The balcony provides excellent overall perspective (ideal for dance numbers), while orchestra seats offer intimacy with performers.
• Side Sections: LORCH/RORCH seats angled less than 45 degrees still maintain full stage views in this proscenium theater.
• Row Depth: In orchestra, rows A-J are on the flat floor (steeper rake begins at K). Balcony rows M-R offer the best vertical sightlines.
• Obstructions: No true obstructions exist, but balcony railings may require slight adjustment for shorter patrons in front rows.

Our Top Recommendations

• Best Overall Value: ORCH LEFT/G ($102) - Amazing proximity at balcony prices
• Premium Experience: RORCH/CC ($180) - Center-right orchestra with perfect acoustics
• Budget-Conscious: LUBAL/V ($76) - Surprisingly good upper balcony views
• Special Occasion: CORCH/DD ($238) - Front center orchestra for unforgettable nights

Pro Tips for Your Purchase

The Hippodrome's horseshoe design means even side seats maintain good sightlines. For Chicago's dance-heavy numbers, consider slightly elevated seats in mid-orchestra or front balcony for best choreography visibility. Evening performances often have more availability than matinees.