Imperial Theatre - "Smash" Broadway Show Seating Guide & Best Ticket Values

Expert Recommendations for the Best Views at Every Price Point

As a Broadway specialist who knows every seat in the Imperial Theatre, I'll help you navigate the best options for "Smash" based on your budget and preferences. Here's my breakdown of the current ticket inventory with insider tips on view quality and value.

Best Value Tickets ($117-$162)

✅ Top Picks for Budget-Conscious Theatergoers

• Rear Mezzanine (Rows E-G): At $117-$118, these are the best-priced tickets in the house. While elevated, the Imperial's mezzanine has excellent rake (slope) - Row E provides clear sightlines over heads. Center sections (RMEZZ) offer the most balanced views.
• Rear Mezzanine Rows B-D ($136-$162): Closer mezzanine rows at still-reasonable prices. Row B puts you at the mezzanine front with an unobstructed (though somewhat distant) view of the full stage.
• Orchestra Rear (Rows Q-S): $161 gets you into the orchestra - fantastic for catching facial expressions. These are under the mezzanine overhang but the Imperial's shallow pitch prevents major obstructions.

Sweet Spot Seats ($170-$212)

✨ Best Balance of Price and View Quality

• Rear Mezzanine Center (Rows E-G): $179-$191 for centered views. The Imperial's mezzanine is only 12 rows deep, so even rear center feels intimate.
• Orchestra Sides (Rows L-Q): $181-$212. Right/Left Orchestra at these rows provide excellent angled views. The Imperial's narrow width means even side seats have good sightlines.
• Front Mezzanine Sides (Rows B-F): $259-$286. While pricier, these offer the best overall perspective for dance numbers - you'll appreciate the choreography's full patterns.

Premium Orchestra Seats ($243-$370)

💎 For Those Prioritizing Proximity

• Mid-Orchestra Center (Rows J-P): $243-$370. The Imperial's orchestra has minimal pitch, so center seats in rows K-P (about 15-20 rows back) are ideal for seeing facial expressions without neck strain.
• Orchestra Front Sides (Rows A-E): $365+. Very close but extreme angles - best for fans who want to see performers sweat. Some partial view restrictions may apply.
• Front Mezzanine Center (Rows A-C): $322+. The "gold standard" for musicals - elevated enough to see patterns but close enough for emotional connection.

View Comparison: Key Sections

• Orchestra Center vs Front Mezzanine: Orchestra puts you at eye level with performers (better for dramatic moments), while mezzanine reveals full choreography (ideal for dance-heavy shows like "Smash").
• Rear Mezzanine Center vs Sides: Center provides balanced views but sides (especially left) often have better sound projection in the Imperial.
• Front vs Rear Mezzanine: Front Mezzanine rows A-C are significantly closer (just 12-15 feet above orchestra) while rear mezzanine (rows D-H) feels more removed but with fuller stage views.

Pro Tips for "Smash" at Imperial Theatre

• The show features elaborate set pieces - mezzanine seats above row C will appreciate the full scope best.
• For this production, right orchestra (especially rows L-Q) has better views of key stage-left acting areas.
• Avoid extreme far side seats in rows A-D of orchestra - some props may be obscured.
• Rear mezzanine rows A-C offer 90% of the view at 50% of front mezzanine prices.

Current Best Deals (As of Today's Inventory)

• Budget Pick: RMEZZ Row F at $117 - 12 tickets available
• Value Sweet Spot: Rear Mezzanine Center Row G at $179 - 4 tickets
• Premium Choice: Orchestra Right Row Q at $212 - 4 tickets with excellent diagonal view
• Splurge-Worthy: Front Mezzanine Center Row B at $282 - perfect elevated center view

Remember that the Imperial Theatre is relatively intimate (1,443 seats) compared to other Broadway houses, so even "rear" seats here would be mid-house at larger theaters. Most seats offer good views, making it one of Broadway's most audience-friendly spaces.