Imperial Theatre | "Smash" Broadway Show Seating Guide & Best Ticket Deals

Expert Recommendations for the Best Views at Every Price Point

As a historic Broadway theater, the Imperial Theatre offers diverse seating options with varying sightlines. Below is my professional breakdown of the best value seats, sweet spots, and premium options for "Smash" – complete with view comparisons and strategic buying tips.

Best Value Tickets ($117-$169)

• Rear Mezzanine (Rows E-G): Excellent budget option ($117-$125). Rows E-F offer direct center views with only slight elevation. Row G begins the steeper incline but maintains good visibility.
• Orchestra Rear (Rows N-S): Surprisingly affordable ($161-$171) for orchestra seats. Rows P-S are elevated enough to see over heads, while N-Q sit flatter - better for taller guests.
• Pro Tip: RMEZZ Row E at $117 is the undisputed price leader with 11 tickets available - snap these up quickly.

Sweet Spot Seats ($170-$209)

• Rear Mezzanine Center (Rows A-G): Priced $179-$209. Rows A-C provide the closest mezzanine experience to orchestra seating with perfect head-on views.
• Orchestra Side (Rows J-Q): $209 gets you into premium side orchestra sections. Left Orchestra Row Q and Right Orchestra Row Q are particularly good values.
• View Note: Mezzanine Row A has slightly obstructed view of upstage area due to railings - better for dance-heavy shows than dialogue-driven scenes.

Higher Tier Options ($230-$342)

• Front Mezzanine (Rows A-F): $269-$284 puts you in the "golden triangle" - close enough for facial expressions yet high enough for full-stage perspectives. Center sections (FMEZC) are worth the premium.
• Orchestra Center (Rows A-AA): $276-$284 for rows AA-A offers the traditional Broadway premium experience. Row AA is actually closer to stage than A due to Imperial's unique numbering.
• Caution: Orchestra rows D-H ($365) suffer from "overhang effect" - the mezzanine above blocks some lighting effects and flying scenery.

Premium & Last-Minute Seats ($350+)

• Orchestra Center Front (Rows D-J): $365-505 places you within 15 rows of the stage. Row J is the house manager's recommended "perfect balance" point.
• Front Mezzanine Boxes: At $342, these offer private experiences but with partial obstructions - only recommended for intimate musical numbers.
• Ultimate Splurge: Orchestra Row L at $758 (only 3 available) puts you where critics sit - completely unobstructed with ideal acoustics.

Seating Chart Hot Tips

• Mezzanine vs Orchestra: RMEZZ Row A ($265) is actually closer to stage than ORCH Row S ($169) - but with different viewing angles.
• Best Legroom: Orchestra center rows K-M ($331-342) have extra space for taller patrons.
• Pair Purchases: For two tickets, Rear Mezzanine Left Center Row C ($181x2) offers better value than single seats in premium sections.
• Day-of-Show: Check for ORCHC Row T ($232) releases - these often become available last-minute.

View Comparison Guide

• Orchestra: Rows A-J see facial expressions; Rows K-T see full-body choreography; Rows U-AA see full stage pictures
• Front Mezzanine: Rows A-C see detail like orchestra; Rows D-F get best overall perspectives
• Rear Mezzanine: Rows A-D comparable to orchestra rear; Rows E-H better for large ensemble numbers

Final Recommendation

For most attendees, the Rear Mezzanine Center Row E ($181) offers the ideal balance of price and view. Those wanting orchestra should target Right Orchestra Row Q ($209) for its slanted orientation toward center stage. True Broadway enthusiasts will find the ORCHC Row AA ($282) investment worthwhile for this production's elaborate set design.