Imperial Theatre
Imperial Theatre
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Address
Neighbourhood: Theater District
How to get there
- 42nd St – Port Authority Bus Terminal • 4 min walk
- Times Square – 42nd St • 5 min walk
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4.0
418 reviews
Excellent
216
Very good
123
Average
45
Poor
13
Terrible
21
Geoff
London, UK46 contributions
Mar 2024 • Friends
Recently visited the Imperial theatre to see Water for Elephants, a fantastic show that was spoiled by horrible theatre staff.
I’m not sure why Broadway theatres are obsessed with having people queuing down the street and then hurling abuse at patrons to get you to a seat quickly, just open the doors a little earlier!
I was attending with an elderly friend with mobility issues and getting in was so stressful that I just wanted to leave.
Finally at our seat and enjoying the first half of the show I headed to the men’s room in the interval to have the same experience, I’m a grown man, I don’t need hitler barking orders at me as I queue for the toilet.
Great show - horrible theatre experience!!
I’m not sure why Broadway theatres are obsessed with having people queuing down the street and then hurling abuse at patrons to get you to a seat quickly, just open the doors a little earlier!
I was attending with an elderly friend with mobility issues and getting in was so stressful that I just wanted to leave.
Finally at our seat and enjoying the first half of the show I headed to the men’s room in the interval to have the same experience, I’m a grown man, I don’t need hitler barking orders at me as I queue for the toilet.
Great show - horrible theatre experience!!
Written 31 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
D H
44 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
What happened to this place? It was a packed Saturday night, and we waited out in the rain until almost show time to get in because the line was so long. Once we did get past the ticket takers, everyone was packed like sardines into a smaller hallway to creep into the venue. Then it was a mad rush for everyone to get to their seats before the show began. Seats were cramped, my friend next to me was half in my seat with his legs because there was old school 1920s legroom in this theater. Then an intermission, forget about it. Long long lines for the few stalls in the mens bathroom. Women's room somehow was faster for them. Got back to my seat 1 minute before intermission ended. They just don't have the facilities for a full house at this theater.
Written 3 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelli
Keller, TX1,356 contributions
Oct 2021 • Friends
We went to the re-opening night of Ain’t Too Proud after the covid shutdown. What a celebration this show is! And Nik Walker is a FORCE! Don’t miss this show for sure. The theater seats are fairly roomy by Broadway standards (not truly roomy, but the arm rests weren’t digging in and there was space in front of my knees, so Broadway roomy). The restrooms are one floor up from the orchestra level.
Written 19 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mkie_Pkie
13 contributions
Aug 2015 • Solo
I saw Les Miserables here (twice), and needless to say, it's an amazing and perfect Broadway show. I'm writing this review to provide potential theater-goers seating comparisons for the Imperial Theatre. For those debating Orchestra vs. Front Mezzanine vs. Rear Mezzanine, and whether a seat is 'worth it', I'm including pictures to help you with that decision! I personally prefer Orchestra (front row AA) over Front Mezzanine (front row A), but both offer very different and great perspectives. Front Orchestra makes you feel like you're part of the action and every expression on the actors' faces is visible. Further away in the Mezzanine, you have a broader awareness of what is going on all around on the stage but it is much less immersive and the further you are, the harder it is to catch the acting nuances. The Mezzanine is raked pretty nicely, but I can't offer a true seating opinion since I sat in Row A. One thing to note is that audience noise was a LOT more audible in the Mezzanine that it was in the front Orchestra, surely due to the acoustics. It will be a great show either way. Enjoy!
Written 30 August 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joe L
Providence, RI17 contributions
Dec 2011 • Solo
I've wanted to see Billy Elliot the musical for quite a while.
Yesterday I was in NY so I decided to see if there were any seats available. I wanted a pretty good seat but I didn't want to spend the $300-$1,200 some online sites were selling them for.
There were two seats left. I got one center stage, row 3. An excellent seat and the price was great. Much. much cheaper than it was going for online.
After I got the ticket I went outside and walked half a block away to make a call.
I was on the phone telling a friend that I got the ticket to Billy Elliot. While I was talking to her I noticed a boy about 12 years old walking towards me. I thought it was odd seeing a little kid walking alone in NYC.
The kid must have heard me talking to my friend because when I got off the phone he turned around, put his hand out and said "I'll be Billy Elliot today. I hope you like the show."
I really didn't believe him but when the show started, there he was, Billy Elliot!
Anyways, the theater was very classy and comfortable. The show was sold out and I had a great seat but from what I saw of the theater, you couldn't get a bad seat.
The show was excellent. The boy who played Billy was an amazing dancer and he had a pretty nice singing voice. After the show he was out on the sidewalk signing autographs and taking pictures with fans. He stayed until everyone got what they wanted.
The show closes down on January 8, 2012 but it's going on the road.
The schedule for the first 6 months is out. I would recommend this show to ANY adult and probably kids over ten years old or so.
The play focuses on Billy and he interacts quite a bit with a friend so there is a bit of cussing, some very minor violence, a few sexual references and a few conversations about "Poofs".
I would definitely recommend calling the box office directly for tickets or you could be paying a lot more for the ticket and much more for fees as well. Seats in the section I was in for selling for several hundred dollars online with up to $45.00 in fees..
Telecharge is the the company that Imperial Theatre uses to they sell the tickets for the same price as the box office with an additional fee. (About $10.00)
Avoid the bar. A few drinks WILL cost as much as the ticket!!
Yesterday I was in NY so I decided to see if there were any seats available. I wanted a pretty good seat but I didn't want to spend the $300-$1,200 some online sites were selling them for.
There were two seats left. I got one center stage, row 3. An excellent seat and the price was great. Much. much cheaper than it was going for online.
After I got the ticket I went outside and walked half a block away to make a call.
I was on the phone telling a friend that I got the ticket to Billy Elliot. While I was talking to her I noticed a boy about 12 years old walking towards me. I thought it was odd seeing a little kid walking alone in NYC.
The kid must have heard me talking to my friend because when I got off the phone he turned around, put his hand out and said "I'll be Billy Elliot today. I hope you like the show."
I really didn't believe him but when the show started, there he was, Billy Elliot!
Anyways, the theater was very classy and comfortable. The show was sold out and I had a great seat but from what I saw of the theater, you couldn't get a bad seat.
The show was excellent. The boy who played Billy was an amazing dancer and he had a pretty nice singing voice. After the show he was out on the sidewalk signing autographs and taking pictures with fans. He stayed until everyone got what they wanted.
The show closes down on January 8, 2012 but it's going on the road.
The schedule for the first 6 months is out. I would recommend this show to ANY adult and probably kids over ten years old or so.
The play focuses on Billy and he interacts quite a bit with a friend so there is a bit of cussing, some very minor violence, a few sexual references and a few conversations about "Poofs".
I would definitely recommend calling the box office directly for tickets or you could be paying a lot more for the ticket and much more for fees as well. Seats in the section I was in for selling for several hundred dollars online with up to $45.00 in fees..
Telecharge is the the company that Imperial Theatre uses to they sell the tickets for the same price as the box office with an additional fee. (About $10.00)
Avoid the bar. A few drinks WILL cost as much as the ticket!!
Written 11 December 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DIANE PATTERSON
Yardley, PA405 contributions
Sept 2019 • Friends
Recently, we saw a matinee performance of "Ain't Too Proud". This is not a review of the show. But, rather it is a review of the theater & the lack of customer service.
Hubby was seated next to a woman who had multiple bags AND a handbag with her. She had them on her lap & between her legs on the floor. She & her belongings were touching him, crowding him and encroached upon his personal space. The seats are close together to begin with. There really isn't any room for ALL the bags & items she brought with her to the theater. Couldn't the usher had offered to store her packages for her during the show???!!!
Since then, we've made the theater aware of our experience. And, they've yet to respond. It's been about 10 days, since we've emailed; ample time for them to reply. No response shows a complete & total lack of customer service and common courtesy.
Hubby was seated next to a woman who had multiple bags AND a handbag with her. She had them on her lap & between her legs on the floor. She & her belongings were touching him, crowding him and encroached upon his personal space. The seats are close together to begin with. There really isn't any room for ALL the bags & items she brought with her to the theater. Couldn't the usher had offered to store her packages for her during the show???!!!
Since then, we've made the theater aware of our experience. And, they've yet to respond. It's been about 10 days, since we've emailed; ample time for them to reply. No response shows a complete & total lack of customer service and common courtesy.
Written 18 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Annemarie C
Saint Louis, MO542 contributions
July 2019
You can't do anything about seats in an old building. It's unfortunate that people choose to criticize the theater experience because the seats are cramped. It's a historic building. Short of repositioning all the seats, I don't know what you can do about the seating. So please, enjoy the wonderful performance of "Ain't Too Proud" and the fantastic music! I plan to see it again. Do not, however, buy the overpriced signature drinks! Paid $57 for two drinks. I couldn't believe server when she said that. I thought she was adding another couple's bill to mine!
Written 18 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Veronica H
Philadelphia, United States2 contributions
June 2019 • Friends
The performances were awesome!!! Spectacular music, great view. The seats were tight, but what can you do about a theater that was built before I was born. I want to see this musical again.
Written 26 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
evildwarf
Salisbury, MD83 contributions
Mar 2015 • Couples
Visited Imperial Theatre to see Les Miserables. Beautiful venue. Don't think there's a bad seat in the house. We have front mezzanine seats and they were awesome! This play was magnificent!!
Written 19 March 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
StrollMyWorld
Kalispell, MT305 contributions
Apr 2012 • Friends
Matthew Broderick needs a job, and it is not in this show. His performance was weak, he acted like he would rather be anywhere else, and the show went on and on and on. Kelli O'Hara carried the show.....it's clear she's in her element up on the stage.
Written 19 April 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How do yo get from the Imperial after the show to Jersey City? We are staying in Jersey City Sonesta Suites which is close to Exchange Place PATH & fairly near Newport PATH station. Is the PATH station on 33rd in New York walkable at night from there & is that a safe are to walk to at night? Also, doe the 33rd street PATH go to these New Jersey stations? Or is there a better way to do it at night? Uber? Taxi? Any advise would be helpful. We have no experience in traveling by PATH, buses, etc. thanks!!
Written 12 August 2024
Can anyone recommend whom to purchase the tickets from? Thank you
Written 6 January 2020
Is there any way to get last minute tickets? Is this advisable?
We are coming to New York mid November for 6 days. Can some one advise me if the show Ain’t to Proud is likely to be sold out and if it is advisable to buy tickets in advance. If yes where is the best place to buy tickets? Thanks
Written 29 October 2019
Make reservations as soon as you can to get decent seats. If waiting for last minute you may be overcharged by scalpers.
Written 30 October 2019
Any recommendations for reasonably priced dining near the Imperial?
Written 4 October 2019
46th between 8th and 9th is Restaurant Row. Becco there are many other types of cuisines there also but we got the special pasta dish it was inexpensive and amazing.
Written 7 October 2019
I have a bus of 50 people coming in on October 23, my seats are A,B,C,D,E in Rear Mezzanine. Will my group be able to see and do you think there will be complaints?
Written 3 September 2019
It depends. Ask for handicap spaces if needed.
You should be able to see the whole show. Regardless of you seat.
Written 15 September 2019
Is it worth getting the partial view seats AA5 and AA6. I'm coming from south africa and really want to see this show but budget is a big problem. I see these seats are selling for $59. Any help or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Written 4 June 2018
You may be able to purchase from the theartre box office. We did purchase our tickets in advance in the mezzinine but the evening performane we attended in May there were many empty seats. For instance we were able to change our seats due to the excessive air conditioning (very cold) It was a wonderful show memorable singing from all the cast . Surprisingly only disapointment there are no Souvenire Programmes for sale for this great show.However there is a free playbill edition at the theartre.Enjoy your trip to New York
Written 5 June 2018
are the box seats near the restrooms? Have the rest rooms been
improved? some reviews say that at intermission the bathroom lines move quickly and play doesn't resume til line is ended, is this accurate??? Are restrooms on the Mezzainine Floor? Can persons with severe knee problems negotiate stairs?
Written 22 May 2018
I think it'll be tough for you if you're slow to use the restroom or if you can't negotiate stairs.
Written 24 May 2018
Does the Rear Mezzanine row A offer more legroom than the other seats in mezzanine?
Written 22 October 2016
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