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 excellent sightlines, the Imperial Theatre offers great viewing options throughout the house. Below are my professional recommendations for getting the best value at different budget levels for "Smash" performances.

Best Value Tickets ($146-$167)

• Rear Mezzanine (Rows C-F): Outstanding budget option with clear overhead views. Rows D-F (priced $146-$147) offer particularly good value with only 1-2% price difference from back rows.
• Rear Mezzanine Sides (Rows B-C): At $163, these provide excellent angled views of the full stage - perfect for those wanting to save without sacrificing visibility.
• View Tip: The Imperial's steep mezzanine means even Row H ($162-167) avoids significant obstruction despite being last row.

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

• Rear Mezzanine Center (Rows E-H): The $179-181 center sections provide perfect balance of price and central viewing position.
• Orchestra Rear (Rows Q-T): At $220, these offer classic Broadway orchestra experience at 40% less than premium orchestra seats.
• Best Value: Rear Mezzanine Center Row E ($181) gives direct center view for under $200 - typically sells out first.

Higher Tier Options ($252-$297)

• Mid-Orchestra (Rows J-M): Priced $259-271, these provide the true Broadway orchestra experience with excellent sightlines to facial expressions.
• Front Mezzanine (Rows A-B): At $284-297, these front balcony seats rival orchestra views at 20% lower cost than equivalent orchestra seats.
• View Difference: Note that Row A center orchestra ($297) sits slightly closer than front mezzanine but with similar vertical sight angles.

Premium & Last-Minute Options ($342-$505)

• Front Orchestra Center (Rows A-H): The $375-505 premium seats offer unparalleled proximity to the stage - perfect for special occasions.
• Front Mezzanine Boxes: At $342-358, these provide exclusive semi-private seating with unique angled perspectives.
• Last-Minute Tip: Check for released house seats in Orchestra Center (Rows J-P) which occasionally become available at $430-505.

Section Comparison Highlights

• Orchestra vs Mezzanine: Orchestra rows K-T (mid-to-rear) offer 15° downward sightlines while mezzanine provides 30° downward views - choose based on preference for proximity versus overall perspective.
• Side Views: Right/Left orchestra sections beginning at Row N ($213) provide excellent angled views with only slight obstruction of far opposite stage - often 25% cheaper than equivalent center seats.
• Front Mezzanine Warning: First 2-3 rows (A-C) may require slight upward tilt for tall patrons, while rows D-F provide ideal neutral neck position.

Professional Recommendation

For first-time visitors, I recommend the Rear Mezzanine Center Row E ($181) as the perfect balance of price and view quality. Frequent theatergoers will appreciate the nuanced differences in Orchestra Center rows J-M ($259-368). Those seeking premium experiences should target Front Mezzanine Center Row A ($418) for its combination of overview and intimacy.

Ready to Secure Your Seats?

• Best Value Picks: Rear Mezzanine Rows D-F ($146-147)
• Premium Choices: Orchestra Center Rows J-M ($259-368)
• VIP Experience: Front Orchestra Center Rows A-H ($375-505)