- Imperial Theatre can accommodate approximately 1,457 people.
- The seating is divided into 2 sections – Orchestra and Mezzanine.
- Rows A to C in the Mezzanine section provide fantastic views.
- The best seats are in the middle of the Orchestra section in rows D to J.
- Rows A to E of the Mezzanine section offer great views for a lower cost.
- The seats towards the far sides of the Mezzanine or Orchestra may have limited views of the stage.
- Orchestra typically offers immersive sound due to proximity. Mezzanine’s elevation gives clear acoustics and a broad view of the stage.
- For a musical, sitting away from the stage is not much of a concern given there's a lot of singing and dancing with performers utilizing the entire stage. For a play or any show which relies heavily on dialogue and the actors' expressions, consider sitting closer to the stage.
Imperial Theatre
The Imperial Theatre has been a Broadway staple since 1923. It was constructed by the famous Shubert brothers to accommodate musicals and was designed by architect Herbert J. Krapp. The Imperial Theatre has been the site of many achievements, from the revolutionary modern musicals to the legendary 16-year run of Les Misérables. Entering the Imperial might make you feel like you've stepped into another time. With its Adam-style architecture, elaborate embellishments, and refined atmosphere, this theater is a recognized landmark in New York City. Intricate plasterwork, floral and geometric patterns, and a warm color palette adorn the auditorium and adjacent interiors of the venue, which often pairs well with the shows it performs.
Imperial Theatre is a premier live entertainment venue designed by Herbert J. Krapp and first opened in 193. This seating chart is designed to help you make the most of your experience and find the best seats.
Navigating the Imperial Theatre seating chart
How to choose the best seats in the Imperial Theatre seating chart?
Sections available in Imperial Theatre
Orchestra
- 759 seats
Rows AA-V
- The Orchestra section has 759 seats split across three sub-sections: Left, Right, and Center.
- Rows B to J are premium seats. These are more expensive than a standard ticket but offer the best views and an immersive experience.
- The section is neither raked nor elevated, so the view from the rear seats might be partially obstructed, depending on who sits in front of you.
- Seats closest to the stage might experience a partial obstruction from the front edge of the stage.
- The section is on the ground level, accessible via a step-free entrance on 249 West 45th Street. The section also has five wheelchair-designated seats with up to three companion seats each and another nine transfer seats in the middle rows.
Front Mezzanine
- 303 seats
Rows A-F
- Sometimes called the "Mezzanine," the Front Mezzanine is the first of two elevated and raked sections just behind and above the Orchestra.
- It has 282 seats split into four sub-sections: Left, Right, and two Center sections. It additionally has 20 seats split across two Boxes, one on either side.
- The Center sections have better views at more affordable rates than the Orchestra. The seats further toward the sides have some sightline restrictions due to being angled, but you can still get decent views from the front rows and aisle seats.
- The Boxes offer privacy and comfort, but the steep angle means you'll be viewing the show from way off-Center. You can still get decent views from these seats, however, depending on the show being performed.
- There are three transfer seats available in this section, but since there are no elevators or escalators at this venue, these seats can only be reached via stairs.
Rear Mezzanine
- 377 seats
Rows A-H
- Sometimes referred to as the "Balcony," the second elevated and raked section is the Rear Mezzanine.
- The section is split across five sub-sections that curve significantly toward the ends of the rows.
- The seats in the rear might suffer from some sightline restrictions, mostly due to the distance from the stage. But thanks to the rake and elevation, you should still get a clear view of the stage for most of the show.
- There are four transfer seats in this section, but they can only be reached after climbing up two flights of stairs.
Value for money seats
- Rear Mezzanine (E): The seats in the middle to front rows, especially closer to the Center, are affordably priced while offering the best views from the Rear Mezzanine section. The rear seats are much cheaper, however, and since the section is raked and elevated you will still get a clear view of the stage, albeit from a distance.
- Front Mezzanine (B-D): Seats in the front rows of the Front Mezzanine are a great balance between clear views of the stage and affordability. The rear seats, especially toward the ends of the rows, are much cheaper, but seats in the middle rows have better views.
- Orchestra (J-V): These rows of the Orchestra section give you great views of the stage without the premium rates of the seats in the front rows. The rear-most rows are much cheaper, but we'd recommend seats a little further front so you can see the performance more clearly.
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Best views of the stage
- Orchestra (B-O): The seats in the Center Orchestra numbered 105-110 offer the best views in the theater. Seats along the aisles of these rows in the Left and Right Orchestra also offer excellent views of the stage.
- Front Mezzanine (A): The front rows of the two Center sections of the Front Mezzanine offer the best views from this section. They're more affordably priced than the Orchestra while still offering unobstructed views of the stage.
- Rear Mezzanine (A-F): The closer to the front you sit in the Rear Mezzanine, the better. You'll get unobstructed views of the stage from the front row, even if it is some distance away from the action. The vantage point works great for larger productions, so it's definitely a great bargain for shows with large ensemble casts and intricate set designs.
Accessible seating in Imperial Theatre
- Orchestra: Wheelchair-accessible, transfer, and companion seats available at level access and reachable from the step-free main entrance.
- Front Mezzanine: Three transfer seats are available, but only accessible via stairs.
- Rear Mezzanine: Four transfer seats are available, but only accessible after climbing up two flights of stairs.
Frequently asked questions about Imperial Theatre seating chart
Seats in the Center Orchestra and along the aisles offer some of the best views in the house. Particularly, seats 105-110 in Rows B-L in Center Orchestra and seats 1-8 in Rows B-O in Left and Right Orchestra give you clear, unobstructed views of the stage.
The Orchestra section has wheelchair-accessible, transfer, and companion seats along with step-free and level access. While the to Mezzanines also have transfer seats, neither is accessible for wheelchair users since the only way up is a staircase.
Seats in the Front and Rear Mezzanine are cheaper than the Orchestra. For the best views from these sections, opt for seats closer to the Center and in the front rows. If you're on a tight budget, you can try seats in the rear rows and toward the sides. While these might endure some sightline restrictions, you can still get some decent views for most shows.
The Orchestra is the largest section with 759 seats. It is further divided into Left, Right, and Center Orchestra sections. This section is the best if you prefer to view your theater performances up close. It's the place to be for smaller shows, especially dramas, as these are often character and performance-driven. The section is also totally accessible for patrons with varying mobility needs.
There are two raked and elevated sections in this theater, the Front and the Rear Mezzanine. These are sometimes called the Mezzanine and Balcony, respectively. The Front Mezzanine has 283 seats and 20 more in two Boxes, while the Rear has 377 seats. These sections offer you a vantage point from which to view the performance which is useful for large productions with ensemble casts, such as musicals. You get to see more of the stage, including set designs and props, while avoiding the premium rates of the Orchestra. Unfortunately, these sections aren't recommended for wheelchair-users or patrons with specific accessibility needs, as they're only reachable via stairs.
The Imperial Theatre has hosted legendary productions such as Les Misérables, Cabaret, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Billy Elliot the Musical, Nice Work If You Can Get It, and most recently Water for Elephants.
The Imperial Theatre is owned and operated by The Shubert Organization, one of Broadway's leading theatre owners and producers.
The theatre is located at 249 West 45th Street, New York, NY 10036, in the heart of Manhattan’s Theatre District.
There is no formal dress code. Most attendees wear smart casual attire, but comfortable and neat clothing is acceptable.
Yes, there are several dining options nearby including Becco, Sardi's, Junior's, and Carmine’s, all popular with theatregoers.
