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 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, with special attention to sightlines and value differences between sections.

💰 Best Value Tickets (Under $130)

• Rear Mezzanine (Rows E-G): $117-$127 - Excellent mid-range option with full stage visibility. Row E offers the best value at $117-$118.
• Rear Mezzanine Center (Row H): $129 - Slightly elevated view but perfectly centered. Only $2 more than side sections.
• Pro Tip: Rows E-F in RMEZZ provide 85% of the view quality of premium seats at 40% of the price.

🎯 Sweet Spot (Good Availability & Price)

• Rear Mezzanine Center (Rows E-F): $136-$158 - The "Goldilocks zone" with optimal viewing angles. Row F at $136 offers exceptional value.
• Orchestra Rear (Rows Q-T): $165-$170 - Surprisingly good sightlines from these elevated orchestra rows. Perfect if you prefer being closer but want to avoid neck strain.
• Key Insight: Mezzanine Row B ($136) vs. Row C ($123) - The $13 difference buys significantly better elevation over stage elements.

✨ Higher Tier Options (Not the best deals)

• Front Mezzanine Sides (Rows A-F): $265-$286 - Good views but overpriced compared to center sections. Only consider if you need aisle access.
• Orchestra Middle (Rows K-N): $212-$243 - Solid views but premium pricing. Row L at $212 offers better value than closer rows.
• Watch Out: Orchestra Rows P-Q ($209-$238) can have partially obstructed views of upstage areas.

💎 Premium or Last-Minute Splurges

• Front Mezzanine Center (Rows C-F): $273-$311 - The best overall experience. Row D at $273 is my top premium pick.
• Orchestra Center (Rows J-L): $374-$505 - For true Broadway enthusiasts. Row J center at $505 offers once-in-a-lifetime proximity.
• Insider Note: Front Mezzanine Row A ($347) often sells out first - book early if you want this "director's view" experience.

🔍 View Comparison Guide

• Rear Mezzanine vs Orchestra: Mezzanine provides better overall perspective for dance numbers ($100+ savings)
• Front vs Rear Mezzanine: Front Mezzanine offers 25% closer view but costs 2x more
• Side Sections: Left/Right Mezzanine have slight viewing angles but often $30-$50 cheaper than center

🎭 Special Recommendations for "Smash"

• For this musical about Broadway, the Front Mezzanine (Rows C-E) provides the ideal "meta" experience of watching a show about shows
• Budget-conscious fans should target Rear Mezzanine Rows C-F - you'll see all choreography clearly without breaking the bank
• Latecomers note: The Imperial's strict policy means Orchestra seats beyond Row N may have delayed seating

📊 Price Trend Tips

• Best deals typically appear 24-48 hours before showtime
• Wednesday matinees often have 15-20% lower prices
• Groups of 4+ can sometimes negotiate better rates in Rear Mezzanine