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

Expert Recommendations for the Best Broadway Experience

As a historic Broadway venue with excellent sightlines throughout, the Imperial Theatre offers multiple great options for enjoying "Smash." Below is my curated guide to help you find the perfect balance of view quality and price.

💰 Best Value Tickets (Under $170)

• Rear Mezzanine Rows D-F ($146-$167): Excellent mid-range option. Rows D-F are elevated enough for great overviews of the stage while keeping performers clearly visible. Minimal difference between left/right/center in this section.
• Sweet Spot: Row E seats at $146-147 offer the best price-to-view ratio in the house. You'll miss some facial details but catch all choreography.
• Note: Rows G-H start feeling more distant ($166-167) - better for big-picture views than intimate moments.

🎭 Higher Tier Options ($170-$280)

• Rear Mezzanine Front Rows A-C ($273-285): First mezzanine rows provide cleaner sightlines than equivalent orchestra seats at twice the price. Row B center at $273 is a hidden gem.
• Orchestra Rear (Rows Q-U, $220-280): Good for those who prefer stage-level views. Rows R-T in center orchestra ($276) offer surprisingly good angles despite being far back.
• Front Mezzanine Sides (Rows B-F, $281-297): Better legroom than orchestra with similar sightlines. Right/Left Center provide excellent diagonal views of the full stage.

💎 Premium & Last-Minute Options ($290+)

• Front Mezzanine Center (Rows A-F, $290-425): The gold standard for Broadway views. Row D center at $295 gives perfect head-on perspective with ideal elevation.
• Orchestra Center (Rows A-AA, $297-505): For true VIP experiences. Front center rows (A/D/E) at $418 put you in the actors' sightlines - perfect for immersive moments.
• Pro Tip: Last-minute orchestra side seats (Rows B-J, $297-358) often become available day-of-show at 20-30% discounts.

👀 View Comparison Key

• Rear Mezzanine: Best for appreciating full stage choreography and set designs
• Front Mezzanine: Ideal balance - see facial expressions while taking in full scenes
• Orchestra Center: Most immersive for emotional performances and detailed acting
• Orchestra Sides: Good value but may miss some upstage action depending on row

🎯 My Top 3 Picks for "Smash"

1. Rear Mezzanine Row E Center ($146): Unbeatable value with clear, full-stage views
2. Front Mezzanine Row D Center ($295): Premium experience at mid-range price
3. Orchestra Row T Center ($342): For those who must be at stage level - surprisingly good sightlines from this rear center position

⚠️ Sections to Approach Carefully

• Far Side Orchestra (Rows K-U): May have obstructed views of upstage corners
• Rear Mezzanine Rows G-H: Feel noticeably distant for a musical with intimate moments
• Front Mezzanine Front Rows: Can require some neck craning at this theater's steep angle

The Imperial's design means there are few truly bad seats, but choosing strategically can dramatically enhance your "Smash" experience. For this music-driven show, I particularly recommend mezzanine seating to appreciate all choreography elements.