Imperial Theatre

Broadway is renowned for its storytelling mastery. From classic tales that have stood the test of time to contemporary stories that reflect today’s society, Broadway has it all. This diversity in storytelling not only entertains but also educates and inspires. Shows cover a broad range of themes, allowing audiences to explore different cultures, histories, and perspectives within a few city blocks. Built for the Shubert brothers and opened in 1923, the Imperial Theatre is located on 45th Street in the Theater District of Midtown Manhattan. It has hosted various successful theatrical performances ranging from Dreamgirls to Fiddler On The Roof and Les Misérables, which I saw on my first visit. This afternoon we had the pleasure of seeing the iconic Chess the Musical with a legendary score by ABBA’s Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus, where power and passion collide, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Upon arrival, my partner and I were greeted by the staff. The interior was gorgeous, a sight to behold, with recessed ceilings and ornamental panels that graced the walls, which were elaborately decorated with a number of motifs, including florals and geometrics. As it is an older and smaller theatre, the seats were good with little legroom. One can see from pretty much anywhere, as we were in the orchestra section. The story unfolds with the help of an engaging and humorous narrator. The performances of Aaron Tveit, Lea Michele, and Nicholas Christopher were absolutely amazing. The entire cast each excelled in all areas that are included in a musical: acting, dancing, and singing!!! It’s a very fresh and captivating revival of a truly great musical with the iconic score that is going to be delivered fabulously.

One of the best Shows on Broadway right now! You dont need to speak Spanish to enjoy this show! You feel the music in your bones! Loved the music and the actors. This is a small theater so balcony seating is still a perfect view ! A must see i will go back!

My first broadway experience was here. I went for Smash,and I absolutely loved every bit of it . It was funny, it was moving ,and there was no dull moment throughout the entire set. Still can't believe the impressive talent the performers had. 10/10 no doubt. Let me give a short review of the Theatre as well. I was very impressed by the great sound system ,and from what I understand the experience was the same from any seat in the theatre. There's always a long queue for the restroom during the interval,but that is expected i guess. The staff were very polite and helpful too One small con would be that the walking space through the seats are quite small ,so it's tough to walk to our seats with people seated on the way. Not sure how it compares to other places since it was my first theatre show ,but just pointing it out . But overall , it's an amazing theatre and I would surely recommend it to everyone.

We saw SMASH in March of 2025. The theater staff did a great job with the space they had, but the theater holds more people than bathrooms and concessions can handle. The sound was okay, the views were spectacular, and the show was alright (feels like the writers didn't know how to end it and cheesed the conclusion). It also felt forced at many points getting in cultural norms when compared to the original show. We've now seen about 10 Broadway shows from Phantom, Les Mis, Evita, Wicked, and others. SMASH ranked at the bottom, but it was really fun and filled with laughs. The Imperial was a great venue though.

A great theatre with no bad seats in the house. The theatre is a bit small but the seats are very comfortable. Enough space between you and the row in front of you. The acoustics were really great. We saw the Broadway show Smash and it was great!!!

****SMASH - Good show with some funny moments. Play about making a play loses me a bit. I think the performers were excellent although I'm not a fan of the story. ----- A bit close in the second row but still amazing seats. Clean theatre and amazing leg room. ****Water For Elephants - i really liked this show and it is really fun for all ages. Puppeteer's, acrobatics and musical staff were all excellent. Closing soon so hurry and go it is worth the ticket price.

Went here to see Water for Elephants and, more recently, SMASH. I’ve sat in both the mezzanine, where we had plenty of legroom and a great view of the stage, and also the box seats, with a somewhat cutoff view of the stage, though not horrible. Ushers were friendly and the front desk was very helpful in getting rush tickets. Would definitely recommend seeing a show here.

Beautiful theatre, comfortable seats and the privilege of seeing Lea Michele perform as well as the whole company of Chess made this the best night of my life.

The Imperial Theatre is such a gem of a venue! It has such a classic charm, and you can already feel the history as soon as you walk in. The decor is gorgeous, with elaborate details and a timeless elegance that really sets the mood for a night of great entertainment. The sound quality is fantastic, and every show I've seen here has been top-notch such as Water for Elephants. The staff are friendly and helpful, which makes the whole experience even better. They're quick to guide you to your seat and always have a smile on their faces. The location is also super convenient, right by the MTA with different train lines and plenty of restaurants and bars nearby to make a whole evening out of your visit. Now, the only downside - and it's worth mentioning - is the seats. While the view is fantastic from pretty much every angle, the seating is definitely on the tighter side. Let's just say you'll get to know your neighbor pretty well! If you're tall or need a bit of legroom, it can probably be a squeeze. But hey, you're just there for the show a few hours right? Don't sweat it....It's all part of the cozy, old-school theater vibe. Despite the cramped seating, the overall experience more than makes up for it. You'll be so immersed in the magic of the performance that you'll forget all about the legroom (or lack thereof). If you're a fan of Broadway, the Imperial Theatre is a must-visit. Just maybe make sure to stretch your legs and your body beforehand!

Shady ticket booth. They tried to sell us seats with overhang as the "best seats available". We visited last month to watch Water for Elephants and planned to buy tickets at their counter. Scott told us he'd look up the best seats available for us, then provided the seat numbers and their total price. We looked up the seating chart on our phone and realized that they were on the ground floor with overhang, and that there were still plenty of open seats in front of them... When we confronted Scott about it, he quickly said he "didn't see the seats in front of those" at first and then said the front ones were actually available. Terrible and deceitful "service". Note: This review is for the Imperial Theatre's shady ticket booth and not the play itself, which was phenomenal.

A great theatre with no bad seats in the house. The theatre is a bit small but the seats are very comfortable. Enough space between you and the row in front of you. The acoustics were really great. We saw the Broadway show Smash and it was great!!!

Loved Water for Elephants. After losing his parents in a tragic car accident, a young man quits Veterinary School at Cornell, jumps a train and joins the traveling circus. Based on the book, the musical weaves a story of heartbreaking loss, friendship, what defines family, cruelty to people and animals and how to find love again. So lucky to get a last minute Rush ticket to watch this spellbinding musical. Love the story, the songs, but especially the circus acts. So interesting how they built the train and the big top which brings the circus to life. The puppetry was amazing. A lion which has no teeth, a cute shaggy dog, a white stallion that is overworked and an Elephant named Rosie. The circus acts are also captivating. Acrobatics. Trapeze. Tightrope walking. Juggling. An evil jealous, abusive ringmaster....and an adorable clown. With a sprinkle of Polish. Zostan!! Life is unpredictable and full of unexpected adventures. Interesting to watch through the eyes of both a young Jacob Jankowski and his older self who runs away from his nursing home to revisit the circus and reflect on his life. Have you ever heard of Rush tickets? Rush tickets started with the musical Rent. They sold same day tickets for the first two rows for $20 each for whomever could get to the box office first. Today, many theaters offer same day Rush tickets either by going directly to the box office or via a digital lottery. Thanks to Sarah for my same day general Rush tickets that were purchased at 4 PM on a Saturday afternoon. $49 for orchestra row B. Cash or credit. Amazing seat for a beautiful Broadway show.

The Imperial Theater was established in 1923 and is the current playhouse for Water for Elephants. Rich in history and design, this theater holds approximately 1400 seats. The seats were uncomfortable and rather snug in terms of chair width and leg/knee room. In other words, a taller person might feel cramped. The production was wonderful and incorporated many acrobatic scenes which were exhilarating. If you were a fan of the movie, this play will warm your heart. I especially loved how Rosie the Elephant was created with the endearing trumpet sound an elephant makes. On a personal level, I happen to adore Elephants. While the characters and parts of the storyline weren't too strong, the overall production was entertaining.

The Imperial theater is a NYC theater located on 45th Street between Broadway and 8th Ave. it opened in 1923 and has been the home to many popular productions. Inside is nice, gives an intimate feeling although the seats are a bit too close together and if you get a tall person in front of you, like I did, it may be a problem. Was able to get tickets to Water for Elephants and was pleasantly surprised. I wasn't expecting much, but the show totally wowed me from start to finish. The costumes and choreography were excellent. The Circus scenes were intricate and elaborate. The show was predictable especially if you read the book or saw the movie. The show was entertaining but the circus choreography stole the show.

We came here for water for elephants. The staff was kind and helpful and lines went quickly. It's a gorgeous theater without a bad seat! For water for elephants I definitely recommend mezzanine seats. In the orchestra I don't think you'd get to see and appreciate all of the acrobatic work. The chandeliers are beautiful!

BS +++ The front staff security were unprofessional but it was hot today (7/7/24) so I'll let it slide.   The usher seated us to the wrong place but I had to ask and got corrected.   The view was great.  Water for Elephants was not as good as I expected but the acrobatics was wow!! Thus the 5 stars.  The seat was comfortable.  Bathroom was great.  The exit was chaotic and needs to be organized better.  They shouldn't force Mezz people to go down side steps since it traps them by exiting Orchestra viewers.  I wanted to use restroom and couldn't.  overall theater is beautiful and clean. But go watch Water for Elephants and support Broadway!  Highly recommended!   Trust me - I'm a vegan Boomsauce Scale: BW - basura (trash) BS - basic (come on! Try harder) BS + - better (Yo! That's better) BS ++ - best (alright! Alright! Alrightttt!) BS +++ - Amazing location! now that's boomsauce!

Rudest security I've seen. Had leftovers in a bag and they have a no food policy. I get it, but they are leftovers. I'm not eating during a show. Letting people with Starbucks coffee come through though? I have never seen such an idiotic rule before.. no one is eating their Juniors Cheesecake during the show. There was a family with 3 kids that went to Hershey's factory in Time Square and were told they had to dump their peanut butter cups that they had made. Are you kidding me?? This is absolutely nuts. People come to NY for the experience of food, shows, etc. You've ruined so many people's night. Absolutely ridiculous. Yet, their own staff had Starbucks cups right inside the front door. Come on. If you're going to have such an idiotic rule, lead by example.

Last Saturday me and kids saw Water for Elephants at Imperial theater. Heard about the movie, so excited to be at the theater. Stood line outside short, then walked into the theater. Staffs were extremely nice and helpful, especially going in to Women's bathroom at intermission. As a woman I know and experienced the nightmare of that situation. At Imperial it worked well organized. Staffs were so helpful. We had to climb the other stairs, not the stairs near the entrance. Staff told five person only get to space between the stairs and bathroom area. No chaos. Another staff telling who's going which bathroom inside the bathroom. Never seen this much organized women's bathroom situation of the intermission of a show!

Bad Cinderella was a worthwhile two and a half hours of sheer joy and happiness. The sets and costumes were spectacular--an incredible investment. Everything sparkled and shone. Costumes changed with every scene. Such feast for the eyes. Very flirty plot and dialogue. A lot of visual treats for adults. Cheeky jokes amid the songs. Masterful actors. You will leave smiling and stimulated. Perfect treat against winter blues & seasonal depression.

I saw the new show Bad Cinderella here soon after previews opened. One piece of advice if using gps for locating the theater, make sure you put in the address listed on your ticket and not the name of the theater, because it will bring you to the back door and not the entrance. The theater is nice, and the seats were fine. I see a lot of people saying how tight or close they are but I've experienced worse. The bathrooms are on the second floor so if seated in the orchestra, you have to go upstairs. The show was lively, energetic and funny. Upbeat music throughout. If you are looking for more light hearted theater versus serious subject matter or deep emotional stories then this would be a good choice.

All theaters in New York are fabulous. We saw a water for elephants there and it was excellent. I'm sad that it's closing the show that is.

I was there to see Bad Cinderella and the play was family friendly, entertaining and enjoyable. My seats were Sec B Row 2 Seat 1 & 2. My view was not bad except seat 1 is next to the wall. So I could see the stage, but not the whole room. On the plus side, seat 1 has a very small space next to it to put a coat or 2. It is not in the aisle so you cant get out unless asking the other 5 seats out. Another thing to note is that the ushers were kinda unsure where to seat people. I think they were new so maybe it could have been a learning curve. Really though, I'm short and could see clear. If not they have seat pads for kids or smaller height bodies. There is a one stall handicap bathroom and for the other, all access has 14 stalls with a handicapped. The line at halfway was insane but when the bell rings for the show to begin, everyone jumps out line & goes back so chances are you can stay in line without missing anything. Getting to the theater from Penn Station is super easy & is a 14 minute walk.

This is a great small venue, all the seats were a great view. Bad Cinderella just opened with Andrew Lloyd Webber! If u get a chance to check out the show I highly recommend it. The seats were all good. I'm happy I got an aisle seat but it didn't matter. The show was great and there are tons of great restaurants nearby.

Awesome show! Three stars because your staff is extremely rude! End of show excitement meet with staff throwing the audience out in the street. Calm down - there is time to clean the theatre. Let the crowd leave excited to return. Bad taste.

2 stars because the show was absolutely amazing. Water for Elephants was phenomenal and would have been my favorite show I saw this week had I not seen Back to the Future. But that's it. This is easily the worst broadway theater I've been to. I'm 6'0 and 190 pounds, so by no means am I big or wide. However, these seats are incredibly small. They would barely be able to seat a child. Then there's the fact that there is no leg room. My knees were digging into the chair in front of me. I also, felt the persons knees behind me any time he moved. I would avoid this theater at all cost.

Went to see Bad Cinderella and it was awful. The Prince was MIA so the spare was being forced to marry. He's a skinny ugly guy and Cinderella is bad but we're not sure why. So we go through the glass slipper situation which in this instance made no sense. At the end the Prince shows up but he's gay and he has a partner, again why?! If they were going to go this route they should have made it queer from the start. It would have been hilarious. I hated this show, don't waste your money. The theater is beautiful and hopefully they'll have something worthwhile seeing there.

Came here for another time to watch Bad cinderella this time around. I was able to do lottery tickets and was able to get good seats for cheap. They have three levels, and so far, I've sitten in both orchestra and mezzanine. Both are great views and unobstructed. The bathrooms are on the mezzanine floor, so just be aware of that. I'll probably return to watch another show in a year or so at this theater.

Went here to see Bad Cinderella yesterday. It's not a huge theatre but nice inside. Crazy long lineups for the restrooms so make sure you run to them as soon as intermission starts. The stage is average size and the view was decent from the 10th row orchestra. However, the orchestra seats are far too narrow/small and most people were squished against each other, shoulder to shoulder. That makes for very uncomfortable experience!

The theater is small but it's not fully packed. We saw Bad Cinderella and the show will stop being on Broadway in June due to low revenue and critic review but, the show is still amazing. Watch it before it ends in June!

Nice theatre! Saw Bad Cinderella which was super fun. Great sets. It's a smaller theatre, but not super small. There's a line outside in its own separate area instead of lining down the street like most theatres.

This theater is beautiful!!! It was the absolute perfect venue for Bad Cinderella. If you have a chance to go see this new Andrew Lloyd Webber musical I highly recommend it. The costumes are amazing and the leading lady has a costume change on stage that is simply magical. During one of her numbers, the emotion is so raw you could see the tears in her eyes. There are great quips in the show, the characters are relatable, the music is catchy. Definitely try and catch this show if you can!

I saw Billy Elliot in this theater years ago and after 2+ hours awkwardly folded into those tiny mezzanine seats I swore never again. But then a friend was giving away a ticket to Bad Cinderella and forgot I'd sworn it off, so...I'm writing this review so that I remember: do not sit in the mezzanine of the Imperial Theater if you are tall, like over 6'! These seats have much less legroom than most other Broadway theaters (I can think of only one that's worse) and it just isn't worth it for 2+ hours.

Saw Bad Cinderella here. Theater was packed, but had great sound and stage effects. Will be back if I can!

Still a three star experience. I wanted to give it four but when it was time to exit after the show we all stood at a dead standstill for at least 15 minutes because they didn't make use of every exit on each floor. It was horrible. I'm pleased with the air conditioning in the heat of the afternoon in July. I was very comfortable during the show. I had on a sleeveless dress and I was not freezing, wasn't hot and feeling stuffy like some old theaters. Kudos for that most important comfort. Employees did their job. Nothing exceptional about their performance. During the show one was not standing back against the wall enough for a few minutes. It was distracting my sight of the stage but I will over look it in this case because it wasn't for very long. It may have felt longer than it was because the show was fantastic. In my opinion there isn't a seat with such limited views as to pay the additional high ticket prices. I saw the show and didn't feel like I missed anything of significance. One final comment. This show Ain't too Proud is fantastic. See my review of the show on that Yelp Page. I'm sure I could have gone on and on about the top notch performances. Words don't express how much I enjoyed everything about the current show. You're welcome!

This is a classic broadway theatre that is small enough to have great seats wherever you are but big enough to have a BIG show experience The bathrooms are way to small for the modern era and lines at intermission went from the upstairs location, down the stairs and into the entrance hallway Staff was great, theatre clean and plenty of refreshment areas We saw temptations story there and would recommend that as well !

I think every theater has its own vibe especially the ones on Broadway. But what they all have in common, especially on Broadway, is the shoulder to shoulder seating unless of course you can score those fancy, cozy box seats in the wings. The other amazing commonality.....ladies room waiting line during intermission. It's a bizarre ritual I can not understand and try not to take part in but on this trip i had too. The attendants, who are undoubtedly skilled at orchestrating this round up, were yelling, waving and chastising line cutters. The rest room is on the second floor and us ladies coming out from the mezzanine had to go down the stairs, turn around, and go back up the stairs to wait in a line that snaked all the way to the back and looped around again. Not exaggerating at all here. Despite that low point the theater itself is grand looking and plush. The ushers very friendly and consessions offering all kinds of beverages and snacks. I also liked that they did not make us throw our water bottles out when they checked our bags. And the show was phenomenal. We saw Aint Too Proud. The Story of the Temptations. The cast rocked it and so did the crowd.

Lovely theater with reasonable amount of space and leg room (at least in the Orchestra, where I was sitting) Great flow. Bathroom at the top of the stairs. Room to stand in the back, before the show starts. Wine was a little pricey at $20, $30 (double), $40 (triple) but comes with a nice souvenir cup. (hey...gotta look on the bright side when you wanna get your swerve on.) Serious enforcement of Vax status, and mask wearing. Quick exits to the street, when the show is over. I would go back to this theater in a minute. Great place to see a show.

What a miserable theatrical experience this place makes! Came here to see the new revival of "Carousel" and the shortcomings of the theater compounded the misery of seeing the show. As others have mentioned, restrooms are upstairs. During intermission the line for the upstairs men's room stretched all the way across the orchestra section. There is a handicapped restroom on the main floor but expect a long line for that. The seats are tiny, even by Broadway standards. I see a lot of shows and this was one of the most uncomfortable seats I've been in. Because they are so small (and I'm a smaller guy) it becomes uncomfortable if you're sandwiched in between normal sized (maybe 6 foot, 200 lbs) people. I had to sit kind of sideways in my chair because the old guy next to me was half in my lap. Also on the negative side was the HVAC. Most of the first act was decent but then towards the end it got really warm. The beginning of the second act felt like a sauna, until some AC kicked in. My theater companion looked like he'd run a 10K after the performance because he was perspiring so badly. Probably would have enjoyed the show a little bit more if the accommodations had been passable. On the plus side, it was easy to exit the theater. The way it is set up, most of the orchestra can exit out a generous selection of doors. Staff was also very friendly.

This theater is small and uncomfortable Seats are narrow and there is very little leg room. The decor is not outstanding but there is a large crystal chandelier. No photos were allowed even of the theater. Restroom are all upstairs and there were long lines for both women and men. There is one handicap restroom on the 1st floor. Staff were helpful and friendly We was Carousel at this theater and it was excellent.

The show itself was very enjoyable! My two star deduction is for the usher who was rude to several people in my section. I think he thought he was being funny, but he was being a jerk and tried to kick two women out what he thought were my seats even though I kept telling him I was a row ahead of them. He finally conceded he was incorrect but that we had been "confusing" him and he didn't apologize to the women he accused of being in the wrong seats. Our group was seated in the last couple of rows and the ushers also talked throughout the show. The show itself was cute, lots of laughs from the audience and amazing costumes!

At the theater to see Ain't Too Proud to beg. The show is absolutely amazing. If you are a Temptations fan this is definitely a show for you the singing is superb. The only downfall is the seats are too tight. My knees are aching.

Saw Ain't too Proud ,here, First,if you need the restroom you have to go into the theater than go up to the balcony level,so only 1 set (men & women) upstairs, tough on elderly who have to climb up to go,( not handicapped accessible). Sat orchestra section section,for this kind of money seats could be a little wider and better leg room (couldn't wait for intermission,just so I could stretch my legs). As for the show Ain't Too Proud OUTSTANDING,won't give anything away,just bring a tissue & get ready for a roller coaster ride of emotion. The show is a 5 stars ,the theater,I'll give it 4 stars because of what I mentioned about restrooms & seats Enjoy.

I saw Ain't Too Proud at The Imperial Theater. It was a great show, but I won't dwell on that since this is a review of the venue. It's an old facility, and that brings many of the drawbacks that come with old Broadway theaters. The layout of the lobby and entrances into the theater space do not make for the quickest and most orderly entrance. The bathrooms are rather small for a venue of the size, causing some long and confusing lines. But, the theater space is pretty. The seating, while not remarkable, is more comfortable than average. The acoustics are sound (ba-dum-cha). The stage and tech allow for good staging of shows. And the staff are friendly and competent and know how to guide theater-goers to make the best of the venue's space and layout limitations in a pleasant way. While it's the same at every broadway theater every time, the drink prices at the bar stands are the kind of outrageous where even though you know it's coming, you still *feel* blindsided... but, unlike at some other venues, the bartenders are at least nice to you as they make your $27 drink, and mine was also "generous" (if you can call it that at those prices) with his pours. Out-of-towners who are going to their first Broadway show might have a better experience if they prepare themselves with the understanding that while Broadway theaters have some of the best productions of shows anywhere, they tend to be old, space-constricted buildings without the benefits that venues with newer construction in locations with more space might have. It's not DC's Kennedy Center with its spacious, well-appointed lobby and walkways. For Philadelphians, it's more of a narrow Merriam Theater than a Kimmel Center. For Baltimoreans, expect a more confined space than the Hippodrome. But, it's a pretty solid Broadway venue and a more than adequate place to see a show. I don't imagine many people are picking the shows they see by venue. But if the Imperial has a show that you want to see, get the tickets.

Theatre is nice. Seats are super tight. People outside doing bag check...nasty. Rachel inside theatre was very nice and helpful.

Seeing The Great Comet was a spectacular experience as my first Broadway show. I got what would be considered "nosebleed" seat at the very tippy top since my boyfriend and I had already splurged on expensive tickets to another show. However, the theater or at least this show was set up in a way that made every seat in the house feel as if they were part of the show. There were cast members parading through the aisles and even dancing on the planks(?) that were behind some of the seats so they were only 2 rows in front of us at times. There are even tables for patrons right on the stage that the cast incorporated into the play. Right at the beginning of the play they handed out popovers in cute little Chinese take-out containers stamped with the Great Comet logo, and they were delicious - simple but herby, warm, and flavorful. We set the empty box on the many little side tables with a lamp that coordinated with the other lights in the venue to illuminate. It's such a small detail, but one of my favorite things about this place were the use of lights and how beautiful the light fixtures were. I really can't express enough how wonderful this experience was and am sad that I had just missed Josh Groban but even more sad that this play is coming to a close.

First off Carousel is 5 star production- see it! However, it's playing at a not so great theater. Here's my experience from last night: So ordered tickets from Today's Tix and they are a concierge service thus they meet you at the theater. On our way to pick up from the agents from Today's Tix we enter the bizarre world of this theatre. First off: their atrocious attempt to section off ticket holders from buyers by barricading entrance to the theatre is a reminder of going to JFK airport on a busy flight day. Hi I'm going to the theatre not prison. Second: the security couldn't handle what my friend and I witnessed. ( sorry not meaning to offend anyone but provide an account of what WE saw.) As we finished with concierge service, we spun around to enter theater hence impossible due to barricade. We both noticed a woman with a cane next to a man who looked strung out. She is trying to enter barricade and falls. Not sure if this was a stunt to scam or was a horrible incident. What made it worse was security unable to handle this situation and needed other security personnel or management assisting to control the crowd of people trying to enter the theater. And then to yell at me trying to move away from situation that I'm on the wrong barricade line to enter. Third: teach your theater personnel to smile. One just one person out of fourI interacted with at least was pleasant! I interacted with her upon exiting theatre. Fourth: the seating! OMG my knees and feet are still recovering from the most uncomfortable seating experience. Cramped like sardines! Fifth: Pricing: not sure how and maybe this is both TodaysTix and Imperial Theatre: How is there a minuscule difference in pricing for an obstructed side view and rear rear mezzanine? Sixth: temperature control it's April not July, A/C on full blast. I realize the performers are dancing, moving, etc there has to be a way to control frostbite in April. The only positive thing is the theatre lobby is pretty and they are playing a magnificent production of Carousel. Be warned and prepare: First Aid kit with bandaids, bengay, seat cushions, scarf and gloves and know where the nearest bar located nearby to kill back and neck pain.

This is a fabulous old theater that I went to to see ain't too proud, the life and Times of The Temptations! If you get a chance to see any shows here I think it's very enjoyable all the seats are well positioned the stages are open enough to be seen from the sides and of course even from the back balcony. Hustle and bustle of Broadway is always lots of fun and this theater Is an iconic place in New York.

Quick tips: 1. Bathroom is upstairs. Clean restroom but limited hand sinks available 2. A very small theater. If you are seated on the far end, you will have partial or blocked view. You have very limited or nearly no legroom 3. Show is 3-hour long. I came in for a 7pm performance where the first half went from 7 pm to 8:30 pm, intermission was about 15 to 20 min long, and the second half went from 8:50 pm to 9:55 pm 4. If you buy a bottled water from Duane Reade (say $2) and bring it with you, that is allowed inside the theater. If you wait to buy it inside the theater, it is $5 cash only. 5. I recommend you paying a little extra and buy seats in the center, preferably orchestra. The stage has very dim lightening throughout the show. I was sitting towards the front (2-for-1 Broadway Week deal) and it was still somewhat difficult to see what was going on since it was so dark. However, avoid the first row because the stage effects smoke would make it a bit unbearable for a good 5 minutes in the middle of the show

Only on Broadway could you take Leo Tolstoy's "War & Peace" -- the very soul of the Russian nation -- with all its drama, intrigue and depression -- and turn it into a lighthearted, cabaret-like musical comedy. Staging Natasha and Pierre's Great Comet of 1812 at the vintage Imperial Theater was genius -- and the music was foot stomping spectacular. What a clever way to inject Hamiltonesque American pop culture into some dead serious and (for Americans like me at least) dreary 19th century cultural nuances. Sweetie (my Russian spouse) was pissed during the humorous first act -- because Tolstoy is serious business to her -- a Russian national treasure -- and every Russian is weaned on his dense literature -- and can recite it from memory almost like our Pledge of Allegiance. Look -- my marriage has taught me that Tolstoy is not comedy or frivolity to Russians -- they prefer tears -- nor is his writing something to be toyed with. It took the second act (more drama -- less camp) and a rousing Russian-style sing/dance number to get Sweetie on board with this refreshing 21st century adaptation. Our seats in the mezzanine were cramped but dead center (the stadium seating at the Imperial affords good views from every seat) and not too bothersome because it was non-stop singing and dancing for almost 2 and 1/2 hours -- most of it mesmerizing. Top Tip: Duke whoever you must to get seats on the stage for this production. More leg room -- spectacular 360 degree views and you will enjoy being part of the show. Worth the extra samolians.

I went here in March 2018 to see Carousel and back in 2017 to see Natasha and the Great Comet. When I saw Natasha here this theatre was totally transformed into the premise of the show. The seats went almost around the stage and the lighting was amazing. They also have out perogies during the show which was a nice touch. The actors came all through the aisles which was cool and interactive. Josh Groban was good but I let that Denee Benton was the real show stopper- she was phenomenal!! I loved every moment of the show. I love the movie Carousel so I was super excited to see it on stage. I saw it during previews and everyone was so good! The sets were really good and well thought out. The costumes were really good as well. As much as I liked the leads I loved Lindsay Mendez and Renee Fleming. Their voices sent shivers to my soul and transported me to the seaside town where Carousel takes place. I really liked the show and I'm sad to hear that it will be closing in September 2018.

We were here with a big group and we all had seats in orchestra right. There was no problem seeing or hearing. Like most of these old theaters, the space between rows is minimal. I was comfortable but in the winter it is very tight with all the extra coats and sweaters. The single handicapped bathroom was on the first level but the main bathroom is on the second level in a very inconvenient place with two staircases intertwining at that point. It was very difficult at the end of the show to maneuver with everyone trying to get to where they wanted to go. They needed a crossing guard there. On the good side, there were 16 stalls in the women's bathroom which made the line go fast and smooth. The theater itself is convenient to several restaurants on the block and it's closer to 8th Ave. Our charter bus was able to wait for us right in front of the theater when we were exiting. The theater has a bar and a couple of souvenir stands. The box office is in the front.

I consider the Imperial my good luck theatre in New York. I remember coming here many years ago to see Les Miserables. Still one of my favorite productions of all time. This time I was here to see Billy Elliot. Another fabulous production that should have a long run on Broadway. This is a classic theatre. Seats were comfortable and in the mezzanine level were nicely spaced so views weren't obstructed. We purchased our tickets weeks in advance, and unfortunately all the orchestra seats were long gone. This is what happens when you win 10 Tony awards. The bathroom situation is a bit of a nightmare, so I strongly suggest you go in advance. The show has some mild language, but nothing you won't hear on the streets of New York. I would bring my 10-year old, but was a bit surprised to see some really young children in the audience. Before the show started I had a 3-year old repeatedly kicking my seat and I thought, this is going to be a long night. The little one's parents let him "play" unattended in that row before the show but came to collect him and he sat elsewhere during the performance. I wanted to put the parents in a time out. This show is highly recommended and the cast was outstanding. Tap, ballet, singing, dancing and a healthy dose of sadness and humor. Directed by Stephen Daldry with a score by Elton John. Bravo! http://www.billyelliotbroadway.com/about.php

As of the writing of this review ....it's currently intermission of Ain't Too Proud. A fabulous show but the experience is not up to par. Specifically address to restroom facilities. The theater seems to hold way more than the restroom can accommodate. Back in my seat green eyed waiting on the end of the show.

Very difficult to review this since the one and only show I've seen here is the Great Comet, and it never looked this way before and it will never look this way again. The Great Comet completely transformed this theater into a little supper club in Moscow. It totally transforms your experience so that you are IN the show. (Quite literally for some people more than others) I would imagine once Great Comet moves on one day and it's back to being a "regular" theater" it will lose some of it's charm it currently has going for it... (Shows seen: The Great Comet of 1812 - 2x)

First floor seats are very good. They handled the crowd as best they could and the usual long lines at the usual places. Most disconcerting was the armrest situation. The seats are rather close, not any worse than any other theater, but there was only half an armrest. There was no way to sit comfortably and rest your arm. You have to search for it and when there are coats involved just keep your arms to yourself. Best to wait a few minutes for the theater to clear. If you want a photo, take it upon arrival or at the intermission because it is just a plain curtain that comes down (and stays in place) at the end of the performance. Not sure if that was specific to this play.

Yelp Night for Billy Elliot. The Imperial Theatre is owned and operated by the Shubert Organization since its 1923 inception. Oh, how cramped my legs were for the painfully long two hour performance for Billy Elliot! Fast forward to 2011 where my rejoicing free-spirited travels finds me at Imperial Theatre again for another painfully long three hour performance, "Billy Elliot." I'm short for a woman less than 5 ft. 5 in. height yet my legs were confined to such little space. Alas should late theater patron arrivals be seated to bypass already seated patrons, it's like sardines in a New York subway car during peak travel hours especially when one has a bulky coat or large bulky items or bags to walk between seats. Albeit the restriction for very limited space for legroom and bags on the floor, the Imperial Theatre endures a long standing continuous history of performance shows--be it musical, drama, or comedy. It bears all the traditional theatre atmospheric aspects where the band is hidden beneath the stage complete with red velvet curtain and good acoustic sound quality without error.

I really enjoyed Ain't Too Proud at the Imperial. The show was great, but the theater had some minor inconveniences. The seats were wide enough, but the rows are so close that you must be careful not to bump the people in front of you. I'm only 5'6, so I can't imagine being bigger and taller and sitting comfortably for hours. I think there is only one restroom on the second floor which was not good during intermission. Overall, I enjoyed the experience because the musical was great.