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 diverse seating options with varying sightlines. Based on current availability for "Smash," here's my professional breakdown of the best sections and hidden gems in the house.

💰 Best Value Tickets (Under $160)

• Rear Mezzanine Rows E-F ($145-$147): Surprisingly good sightlines for the price. Row E (sections RMEZZ) at $145 offers the best value - elevated enough to see choreography patterns but close enough for facial expressions.
• Rear Mezzanine Row C ($147): Slightly better angle than Rows E-F with only minimal obstruction from the mezzanine overhang.
• Pro Tip: The $145 tickets in Row E represent the best price-to-view ratio in the theater right now.

🎯 Sweet Spot (Good Availability & Price $160-$220)

• Rear Mezzanine Center Rows B-D ($266-$273): The "goldilocks zone" - centered views with perfect vertical angle to appreciate the full stage picture.
• Orchestra Rows Q-T ($220-$228): While further back, these offer straight-on views at reasonable prices. Row Q at $220 is particularly good for catching detailed set design.
• Watch Out: Rear Mezzanine Rows G-H start experiencing some overhang obstruction at this price point.

🎭 Higher Tier Options ($220-$350)

• Orchestra Center Rows K-N ($354-$374): Premium viewing distance where you can see actors' expressions while still taking in the full stage. Row L at $371 is my top pick in this range.
• Front Mezzanine Rows A-B ($284-$342): Unparalleled overhead views perfect for dance-heavy numbers. Front Mezzanine Right Center Row B at $297 offers spectacular diagonal sightlines.
• Note: Side Orchestra seats in this range (like Row J at $322) often have slightly obstructed views of far-stage action.

💎 Premium & Last-Minute Splurges ($350+)

• Orchestra Center Rows D-H ($417-$418): The famous "platinum triangle" - close enough to see costume details but far enough to avoid neck strain. Row F at $418 is where critics typically sit.
• Front Mezzanine Center Row A ($428): The best overall view in the house according to many regulars, combining elevation with proximity.
• Warning: Extreme front orchestra (Rows A-B at $375) may require looking up at the stage and miss some upstage action.

👀 View Comparison Guide

• Rear Mezzanine: Best for appreciating full-stage choreography and lighting designs. Rows A-D have clearer views than Rows E-H.
• Orchestra Center: Ideal for seeing facial expressions and detailed set work. Rows J-P are the "sweet spot" for balanced perspective.
• Front Mezzanine: Perfect compromise between elevation and intimacy. Center sections provide the most balanced sightlines.

🎟️ My Top 3 Picks for "Smash"

1. Rear Mezzanine Row E at $145 - Unbeatable value
2. Orchestra Center Row L at $371 - Premium experience worth splurging for
3. Front Mezzanine Right Center Row B at $297 - Best diagonal view for complex staging

ℹ️ Pro Tips

• The Imperial's mezzanine overhang begins affecting views around Row G in rear sections
• Left/Right orchestra seats beyond Row J may miss some stage-left/right action
• For dance-heavy numbers, mezzanine seats often provide better overall perspectives
• Consider pairing cheaper tickets with a pre-theater dinner at nearby Becco for the full Broadway experience