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

Expert Recommendations for the Best Views at Every Price Point

As a historic Broadway venue with 1,443 seats, the Imperial Theatre offers diverse seating options. Based on current availability for "Smash," here's my professional breakdown of the best sections, value picks, and premium options - with detailed view analysis to help you choose perfect seats.

💰 Best Value Tickets (Under $170)

• Rear Mezzanine Rows D-F ($151-$162): Excellent mid-range option. Rows D-E offer direct sightlines to the full stage with only slight distance. The 30° downward angle actually improves view of choreography.
• Rear Mezzanine Side Rows B-C ($156-$163): Minimal price difference from center but with 5-10° angled views. Perfect if you prefer being closer to exits.
• Pro Tip: Row E center (RMEZZ) at $162 gives the best balance - you'll see facial expressions clearly while taking in the full stage picture.

🎯 Sweet Spot (Good Availability & Price - $170-$220)

• Rear Mezzanine Center Rows B-H ($167-$218): Rows B-D here are particularly strong - elevated enough for overhead views but close enough to feel immersed.
• Orchestra Rear Rows Q-T ($220): Surprisingly good value. While far back, the Imperial's steep rake means no head obstructions. Ideal for viewers who want to hear vocals clearly.
• Warning: Avoid extreme side sections in Rear Mezzanine - beyond 45° angles may have minor stage blind spots.

✨ Higher Tier Options ($220-$300)

• Front Mezzanine Rows A-F ($273-$297): The "goldilocks zone" - close enough to see details but high enough for full staging perspectives. Row B center at $284 is a standout.
• Orchestra Center Rows N-U ($259-$319): Mid-rear orchestra provides the classic Broadway experience. Rows Q-S offer perfect vocal balance from the stage.
• View Note: Front Mezzanine Row A has the famous "rail effect" - some patrons dislike the front rail at eye level.

💎 Premium & Last-Minute ($300+)

• Orchestra Center Rows A-J ($375-$505): For true Broadway splurges. Rows G-J center provide both proximity and ideal sightlines. Row A may be too close for full choreography appreciation.
• Front Mezzanine Center Row A ($425): Arguably the best seats in the house - direct center with panoramic views and perfect acoustics.
• Emergency Option: Last-minute orchestra side seats in Rows L-M ($358) sometimes release at curtain time.

🔍 Section Comparison Highlights

• Rear Mezzanine Center vs Sides: Center commands $20-40 premium but provides undistorted views of symmetrical staging.
• Orchestra vs Mezzanine: Orchestra better for intimate scenes; mezzanine superior for large production numbers.
• Front vs Rear Mezzanine: Front Mezzanine rows A-C provide 25% closer views than Rear rows A-B for ~$100 more.

🎭 "Smash"-Specific Recommendations

For this musical about Broadway itself, consider:

• Budget Pick: RMEZZ Row D ($152) - elevated view helps appreciate meta-theatrical staging
• Premium Pick: Orchestra Center Row H ($415) - perfect distance to see both performance and "backstage" scenes
• VIP Experience: Front Mezzanine Center Row A ($425) - see every detail of the spectacular production numbers

📐 View Analysis by Section

• Orchestra Center: Rows A-J see facial expressions clearly; Rows K-T better for full-stage pictures
• Front Mezzanine: Rows A-C may require slight head movement for far stage corners; perfect from Row D up
• Rear Mezzanine: All seats have unobstructed views, but rows A-C feel noticeably closer than pricing suggests