Imperial Theatre - "Smash" Seating Guide: Best Seats & Value Tickets

Expert Recommendations for Broadway's Imperial Theatre

As a historic Broadway venue with 1,443 seats, the Imperial Theatre offers three distinct levels: Orchestra (main floor), Front Mezzanine (lower balcony), and Rear Mezzanine (upper balcony). Here's my professional breakdown of the best options for "Smash" based on current availability and pricing.

🎯 Best Value Tickets (Under $150)

• Rear Mezzanine Rows E-F ($121-$126): Solid center views at the lowest price point. Row E is slightly better with less head tilt needed.
• Rear Mezzanine Rows C-D ($123-$125): Closer to the front of upper balcony - great for catching ensemble numbers.
• Orchestra Rear (Rows N-S, $161-$162): Surprisingly good value - you'll miss some facial expressions but get full stage perspective.

⭐ Sweet Spot (Best Balance of Price & View)

• Rear Mezzanine Center Rows A-B ($271): Front of upper balcony with perfectly centered views - comparable to $300+ Front Mezzanine seats.
• Orchestra Center Rows Q-T ($273-$293): The "Goldilocks zone" - close enough for details but far enough for full stage views.
• Front Mezzanine Side Rows E-F ($269-$281): Steep angle but excellent proximity - especially good for dance-heavy numbers.

💎 Premium Options (For Special Occasions)

• Orchestra Center Rows A-AA ($284-$362): The famous "platinum seats" - you'll see every costume detail and actor's expression.
• Front Mezzanine Center Rows A-B ($344-$365): Best overall perspective in the house - the director's preferred viewing angle.
• Orchestra Center Rows D-H ($366-$370): Mid-center perfection - the ideal Broadway experience if budget allows.

⚠️ Sections to Approach Carefully

• Rear Mezzanine Rows G-H: Can feel distant for a dialogue-heavy show - better for musical spectacles.
• Orchestra Side Rows K-P: Pricey but may have partial obstructions from box seats.
• Front Mezzanine Row A: The rail can slightly obscure sightlines for shorter patrons.

🔍 View Differences to Note

• Orchestra vs Mezzanine: Orchestra feels more immersive, Mezzanine offers better overall perspective (especially for dance numbers).
• Front vs Rear Mezzanine: The $100+ difference buys you about 15ft closer - worth it if you want to see facial expressions clearly.
• Center vs Side: Side seats beyond Seat 10 may miss some action staged at the far edges.

💡 Pro Tips for "Smash"

• This musical has many ensemble scenes - center sections (even rear) often provide better viewing than premium side seats.
• The Imperial's mezzanine overhang begins at Row M Orchestra - avoid rows N-S if you dislike balcony above you.
• For best acoustics, aim for seats between the center aisles (Left/Right ORCHC sections).
• Check the "Rear Mezzanine 3 Row A" ($344) - these are actually front-and-center in upper balcony with perfect sightlines.

🎭 Final Recommendation

For budget-conscious buyers, the Rear Mezzanine Rows C-E ($123-$136) offer exceptional value. If you can spend more, the Front Mezzanine Center Rows B-D ($273-$278) provide Broadway's legendary "sweet spot" experience. Premium seekers should consider Orchestra Center Rows E-H ($366-$370) - you'll remember these seats forever.