Imperial Theatre | "Smash" Broadway Show Seating Guide & Best Value Tickets

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 professional breakdown of the best sections, value sweet spots, and premium choices to maximize your experience.

Best Value Tickets (Under $175)

• Rear Mezzanine Rows D-F ($146-147): Excellent mid-mezzanine vantage with full stage visibility. Row D is particularly strong with only 3 rows in front.
• Rear Mezzanine Rows G-H ($162): Slightly elevated but still good sightlines. Perfect for budget-conscious viewers who want decent elevation.
• Rear Mezzanine Side Rows B-D ($163-174): Minor side angle but closer to the stage. Best for intimate scenes but may miss some upstage action.

Sweet Spot (Good Availability & Price $175-250)

• Rear Mezzanine Center Rows E-G ($178-217): The gold standard for value. Center alignment provides perfect viewing angles for musical numbers.
• Orchestra Rear Rows Q-T ($220-230): Flat floor seating but closer to the stage. Ideal for seeing facial expressions while maintaining full-stage perspective.
• Rear Mezzanine Front Rows A-C ($273-284): First mezzanine rows offer stunning overhead views without being too distant.

Higher Tier Options ($250-400)

• Center Orchestra Rows J-P ($254-358): Premium sound quality and immersion. Rows M-P are the true sweet spot - close enough for details but with full-stage view.
• Front Mezzanine Rows A-F ($281-358): Steep rake ensures unobstructed views. Perfect for choreography appreciation. Center sections (FMEZC) are best.
• Orchestra Side Rows K-M ($325-358): Closer to stage but with minor side angle. Great for actor proximity but some upstage compromise.

Premium & Last-Minute Options ($400+)

• Orchestra Center Rows H-J ($418-505): Elite seating with perfect sightlines and actor proximity. Row J is often considered the house's best row.
• Front Mezzanine Box Seats ($418): Unique angled perspective with extra legroom. Limited availability.
• Orchestra Front Row A ($758): Ultimate VIP experience. So close you'll see every costume detail and sweat droplet.

Key View Differences

• Mezzanine vs Orchestra: Mezzanine offers better overall perspective for dance numbers; Orchestra excels for intimate acting moments.
• Row Variance: In mezzanine, each row higher improves vantage but increases distance. In orchestra, rows beyond Q may have obstructed views of upstage.
• Center vs Side: Center sections maintain perfect sightlines, while side seats (beyond 10 seats from center) begin to lose some upstage corners.

Professional Recommendation

For first-time viewers, the Rear Mezzanine Center Rows E-G ($178-217) offer the ideal balance of price and perspective. Seasoned theatergoers should target Center Orchestra Rows M-P ($358). Budget shoppers will find exceptional value in Rear Mezzanine Rows D-F ($146-147) - just bring binoculars for facial expressions.

Pro Tip

The Imperial's mezzanine overhang begins at Row R in the orchestra. Avoid rows S-U if you dislike feeling "under" the balcony. For "Smash" specifically, slightly elevated seats (mezzanine or mid-orchestra) better showcase the elaborate set design.