Imperial Theatre - "Smash" Seating Guide: Best Views & Ticket Values

Expert Recommendations for Broadway's Imperial Theatre

As a historic Broadway venue with 1,443 seats, the Imperial Theatre offers three distinct levels: Orchestra, Front Mezzanine, and Rear Mezzanine. For "Smash," sightlines are excellent from most sections, but strategic seat selection can dramatically enhance your experience. Here's my professional breakdown of the best options at every price point.

🎯 Best Value Tickets (Under $180)

• Rear Mezzanine Rows C-E ($146-$166): Surprisingly good sightlines for the price. Row E (Sections RMEZZ) at $146 offers the best value, with only slight angle limitations for full-stage views.
• Rear Mezzanine Side Rows B ($163): Closer to the stage than center sections, but be aware of slight obstructions from railings in far side seats.
• Pro Tip: Rows D-F in center rear mezzanine (priced $166-$179) provide better head-on views than the cheaper side sections.

✨ Sweet Spot (Best Balance of Price & View: $180-$275)

• Rear Mezzanine Center Rows A-C ($206-$284): First 3 rows of center rear mezzanine offer near-perfect elevation to appreciate choreography. The $206 price point for Row A is particularly strong.
• Orchestra Rear Center Rows Q-U ($227-$280): While far back, these provide excellent straight-on views. Row T at $227 is a steal compared to equivalent mezzanine seats.
• Front Mezzanine Sides Rows A-B ($284-$297): Premium angles at non-premium prices. Right side (Section 3) has slightly better views of stage-left action.

💎 Higher Tier Options (Premium Views: $275-$375)

• Orchestra Center Rows K-P ($265-$374): The "golden zone" - close enough for facial expressions yet elevated enough for full-stage perspective. Row L at $259 is the price/performance sweet spot.
• Front Mezzanine Center Rows B-F ($295-$358): Perfect elevation for appreciating ensemble numbers. Row D at $295 provides identical views to more expensive rows.
• Orchestra Sides Rows A-J ($322-$375): Surprisingly good side views in this historic theater. Left orchestra (Section 101) has better sightlines than right for this production.

🌟 Premium Experience (Front & Center: $375+)

• Orchestra Center Rows A-F ($375-$432): The ultimate "Smash" experience - you'll feel immersed in the performance. Row D center at $432 is worth the splurge for serious fans.
• Front Mezzanine Row A ($362-$432): Perfect overhead view to appreciate all choreography patterns. Center sections (FMEZC) are premium but side boxes at $362 offer 90% of the view for less.
• Pro Tip: Orchestra Row J center ($505) is actually closer to the stage than more expensive front mezzanine seats due to the theater's steep rake.

⚠️ Sections to Approach Carefully

• Far Side Orchestra (ORCHO) Rows N-T: Can miss some upstage right action. Only consider if priced under $230.
• Rear Mezzanine Rows G-H: The very last rows ($153-$162) feel distant for musicals - better for plays.
• Box Seats: While charming, many have partial obstructions from railings.

🎭 "Smash"-Specific Viewing Notes

This production makes exceptional use of the full stage depth. For the best experience:

• Choose center sections over sides when possible - crucial scenes play upstage center
• Mezzanine seats reveal stunning lighting patterns invisible from orchestra
• Avoid extreme sides in rear mezzanine - you'll miss projected surtitles

💡 Insider Tip

The Imperial's acoustics are remarkably consistent. Even "cheap" rear mezzanine seats ($146) sound as good as orchestra seats. Prioritize view over sound when budget-conscious.