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 for "Smash." Below is my curated guide to help you find the perfect balance of view quality and price, whether you're looking for budget-friendly options, premium seats, or last-minute deals.

💰 Best Value Tickets (Under $170)

• Rear Mezzanine (Rows C-F): $146-$147 tickets in Rows C-F offer exceptional value. While higher up, these center-rear mezzanine seats provide a full stage view with good elevation. Row D is particularly strong with minimal obstruction.
• Sweet Spot: Rear Mezzanine Row B at $163 (only 2 tickets left per side) gives you front-of-rear-mezzanine positioning at just $15-20 more than back rows.

🎯 Sweet Spot (Best Balance of Price & View: $170-$220)

• Rear Mezzanine Center (Rows A-D): $190-$206 tickets put you in the first 4 rows of the rear mezzanine center - significantly better viewing angles than standard rear mezzanine.
• Orchestra Sides (Rows N-T): $213-$220 gets you into the orchestra section, albeit further back. Right/Left Orchestra Rows Q-T still provide good sightlines to the stage.

✨ Higher Tier Options ($220-$300)

• Center Orchestra (Rows U-AA): $243-$297 positions you in the middle of the action. Row AA is particularly good value at $254-$297 - just 12 rows back with perfect center alignment.
• Front Mezzanine (Rows A-F): $281-$297 for front mezzanine center provides arguably the best overall views in the house, combining elevation with proximity.

💎 Premium & Last-Minute Options ($300+)

• Orchestra Center (Rows A-P): $322-$430 places you in the heart of the orchestra. Rows J-P ($322-$430) are the traditional "golden zone" - close enough for facial expressions but far enough for full stage perspective.
• Front Mezzanine Center (Rows A-F): $418 tickets in Row A put you at the very front of the mezzanine overhang - spectacular overhead views.

🔍 View Comparison Key

• Rear Mezzanine: Full stage view but distant (best for big-picture choreography)
• Orchestra Sides: Closer but slightly angled views (better for intimate scenes)
• Center Orchestra: Unobstructed straight-on perspective (ideal for lead performances)
• Front Mezzanine: Perfect balance of elevation and proximity (best for overall production)

💡 Pro Tips

• The Imperial's mezzanine overhang begins at Row J in Orchestra - avoid rows K-P if you dislike feeling "under" the balcony
• Left Orchestra (Section ORCHO) tends to be $10-20 cheaper than equivalent right side seats
• Front Mezzanine Row B ($284) offers nearly identical views to Row A ($418) at 40% lower cost
• For groups of 4+, Rear Mezzanine Center Row G ($204) has the best quantity/quality ratio

📊 Price Gradient Map

From Stage Back:

• Rows A-C: $297-$418 (Premium)
• Rows D-J: $254-$365 (Premium Mid)
• Rows K-T: $220-$316 (Orchestra Value)
• Rows U-AA: $243-$297 (Rear Orchestra)
• Front Mezz: $281-$418
• Rear Mezz: $146-$273

🎭 Final Recommendation

For first-time viewers, I recommend the Rear Mezzanine Center Rows A-D at $190-$206 - you'll see all the choreography clearly at a reasonable price. For special occasions, splurge on Orchestra Center Rows J-P ($322-$430) to feel immersed in the performance. Either way, you're guaranteed an unforgettable experience at this legendary Broadway house.