Imperial Theatre | "Smash" Broadway Show Seating Guide & Best Ticket Values

Expert Recommendations for the Best Views at Every Price Point

As a historic Broadway theater with 1,443 seats, the Imperial Theatre offers three distinct levels: Orchestra (main floor), Front Mezzanine, and Rear Mezzanine. This guide highlights the best value tickets, sweet spots for price/visibility balance, and premium options for "Smash" - with special attention to sightlines and potential obstructions.

Best Value Tickets ($150-$170)

• Rear Mezzanine Rows C-F (Sections RMEZZ): Excellent budget option at $150-$155. While higher up, the Imperial's steep rake ensures clear stage views. Rows C-D provide better head-on angles than side sections.
• Rear Mezzanine Side Rows B (Left/Right): At $163, these offer closer proximity than center RMEZZ but with slight side angles - best for intimate scenes though some upstage action may be obscured.

Sweet Spot (Good Availability & Price) ($179-$206)

• Rear Mezzanine Center Rows E-H: $179-$206 positions you at the ideal vertical angle to appreciate full choreography. Row E (181) is particularly strong for catching facial expressions.
• Orchestra Rear Rows Q-T: $220-$227 gets you center-orchestra views with the full stage picture. Perfect if you prefer being level with performers rather than looking down.

Higher Tier Options ($240-$297)

• Front Mezzanine Rows B-F: $281-$297 offers the theater's most coveted sightlines. Front Mezzanine Center Row B (284) provides a panoramic view identical to director's booth sightlines.
• Orchestra Center Rows A-AA: $290-$297 puts you close for emotional scenes. Note Row AA is actually closer than A at the Imperial due to unique numbering.

Premium & Last-Minute Splurges ($322-$505)

• Orchestra Center Rows E-J: $418-$505 places you within 15 rows of the stage. Row H (418) is the price/performance peak - close enough to see sweat but far enough to take in full sets.
• Front Mezzanine Box Seats: Though not listed here, these occasionally release last-minute at ~$400 with unparalleled diagonal views and extra legroom.

View Considerations by Section

• Orchestra Side Seats: Rows K-M (Left/Right) at $228-$271 risk minor obstruction from proscenium arch during far-side scenes.
• Rear Mezzanine Front Rows: Rows A-B may require slight neck craning at this theater - better to sit 3-4 rows back.
• Front Mezzanine Side: Sections 1-4 have safety rails that may partially block sightlines for shorter attendees.

Pro Tips for "Smash"

• For this musical about Broadway, mezzanine seats (especially Front Mezzanine Center) better showcase the full meta-theatrical production numbers.
• The $150 RMEZZ tickets are unusually low for Broadway - snap these up quickly as they're often the first to sell out.
• Check the theater's detailed seating chart - the Imperial has several odd-numbered "partial view" seats that aren't always marked as such.

Current Best Availability

As of now, there are 7+ tickets available in Rear Mezzanine Row E at $150 (best value), good inventory in Front Mezzanine Center around $290, and limited premium Orchestra Center seats at $418. For groups, the Rear Mezzanine Left/Right Center blocks offer 4+ together at $179-$206.