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, the Imperial Theatre offers excellent sightlines throughout, but some sections provide particularly strong value. Below is my professional analysis of the current ticket inventory for "Smash," with recommendations categorized by budget and viewing priorities.

Best Value Tickets ($120-$136)

• Rear Mezzanine (Rows C-F): Rows E-F in RMEZZ offer the lowest prices ($120-$124) with surprisingly good overhead views of the full stage. The slight angle provides better depth perception than center sections.
• Rear Mezzanine Side (Rows B): At $136, the side sections (Left/Right) in Row B are worth the small premium - you'll be closer to the stage with only minimal viewing angle compromise.

Sweet Spot (Good Availability & Price, $157-$185)

• Rear Mezzanine Center (Rows E-G): The $179 center sections in Row G provide perfect head-on views. The elevation helps see choreography patterns beautifully.
• Orchestra Rear (Rows Q-R): At $161-$167, these offer the closest seats at this price tier. Sound quality is exceptional here, ideal for musicals.
• Rear Mezzanine 1-5 (Rows B-C): The $160-$162 tickets in these numbered center sections are hidden gems with better legroom than the standard RMEZZ.

Higher Tier Options ($209-$287)

• Orchestra Sides (Rows H-M): The $212 side orchestra seats (Left/Right) get you within 15 rows of the stage. Partial view of far-side stage action but incredible performer proximity.
• Front Mezzanine Sides (Rows A-F): At $269-$284, these provide the best overall perspective - elevated but closer than rear mezzanine. The front row (A) has extra legroom.
• Orchestra Center Rear (Rows T-U): $231-$232 for these center orchestra seats is reasonable for the perfect straight-on view, though slightly distant.

Premium & Last-Minute Options ($322+)

• Front Mezzanine Center (Rows A-F): The $273-$309 center front mezzanine seats are what Broadway regulars swear by - perfect elevation and distance balance.
• Orchestra Center (Rows A-AA): At $359+, these premium seats put you in the thick of the action. Rows AA are actually closer than A due to the Imperial's unique orchestra slope.
• Orchestra Center Prime (Rows E-P): The $430-$505 seats in rows J-P represent the absolute best views in the house, with Row J being my personal favorite for seeing facial expressions.

View Comparison Key Notes

• Mezzanine vs Orchestra: Mezzanine provides better views of ensemble choreography while orchestra excels for intimate solo moments.
• Row Depth: In mezzanine, rows A-C feel significantly closer than D-H. In orchestra, every 3 rows makes a noticeable difference.
• Side Sections: Left/Right sections beyond Seat 10 may miss some far-stage action but often have better prices.
• Sound Considerations: Orchestra rows N-Q offer the best acoustics, while front mezzanine provides perfect vocal balance.

Final Recommendation

For budget-conscious buyers, the $120 RMEZZ Row E tickets offer tremendous value. Those wanting the ideal balance should target Front Mezzanine Center around $273. If money is no object, the orchestra center rows J-P (especially Row J at $505) provide an unparalleled Broadway experience.

Pro Tips

• The Imperial's mezzanine overhang begins at Row P in orchestra - rows Q-U feel slightly enclosed.
• Avoid extreme side seats beyond #12 in any section for this dance-heavy production.
• Check the theater's detailed seating chart - odd-numbered seats are house left, even are right.
• For group sales, the rear mezzanine center blocks (4 tickets at $181) are your best value.