National Theatre - DC Seating Guide for "Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations"

Best Value Tickets (Under $120)

• BALCONY Sections (Rows F-J): $111-117 - Excellent budget option with slightly obstructed upper side views (LBALC/RBALC are left/right balcony). Front balcony rows (F-G) offer best value.
• Center Balcony (BALC): Rows F-J at $114-117 - Better sightlines than side balconies with full stage view despite higher elevation.

Sweet Spot Tickets ($120-160)

• Front Balcony (BALC Rows E-F): $120-136 - Closest balcony seats with improved sightlines. Row E is particularly good for price-to-view ratio.
• Mezzanine Sides (LMEZZ/RMEZZ Rows H-K): $121-153 - Elevated but closer than balcony with good diagonal views. Ideal for those wanting better elevation than orchestra.

Higher Tier Options ($160-220)

• Front Mezzanine (Rows B-G): $164-204 - Premium mezzanine seats with excellent sightlines. Center sections (MEZZ) run $20-50 more than sides.
• Rear Orchestra (ORCH Rows U-X): $191-217 - Full stage view from level seating. Rows V-W offer best balance between price and proximity.

Premium/Last-Minute Seats ($220+)

• Mid-Orchestra (Rows P-T): $214-238 - Prime viewing distance. Left/Right sections (LORCH/RORCH) are $50-100 less than center.
• Front Orchestra (Rows A-O): $253-604 - Closest seats with premium pricing. Center sections jump dramatically after Row G.
• Box Seats (BOX6/BOX12): $146-276 - Intimate side boxes with unique angled views (limited availability).

View Comparison

• Balcony: Steep vertical angle (best for overall staging view)
• Mezzanine: 30° downward sightline (ideal for choreography)
• Orchestra: Eye-level perspective (best for facial expressions)

Pro Tips

• Balcony Row E avoids the front rail obstruction found in Rows A-D
• Mezzanine Row J is the first row after the cross aisle - excellent legroom
• Orchestra Rows U-V are under the mezzanine overhang (slightly reduced ceiling height)
• Left/Right orchestra sections (LORCH/RORCH) offer 10-20% savings over center

Best Overall Value

For most attendees, we recommend BALC Row E ($136) or LMEZZ Row J ($127-150) as the optimal balance of price and view quality. Those wanting closer seats should consider ORCH Row V ($204-238) before prices jump significantly in front sections.

Accessibility Note

The National Theatre offers excellent ADA seating in multiple sections - contact the box office for specific availability as these seats often don't appear on third-party platforms.