Mad Apple Seating Chart + Best Seats (with photos)

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Hi! Welcome to my seating guide for the Mad Apple show in Las Vegas. I saw the production last month and took a tour of the theater.

And, unfortunately, there were some seats I wasn’t that impressed with. A few have a railing in the sightline, while others will have you watching from behind the performers.

But don’t worry; I’ve got you! I’ll show the views from my favorite spots – all at different price points to help you select the best option for your budget.

Let’s get into it!

About the Mad Apple Theater

Mad Apple is located inside the New York-New York hotel. It’s in a large theater with 1,169 seats, split into a lower level and a balcony.

Even though it’s one of the bigger venues on The Strip, I was surprised by how close the main level is to the stage. The design is very similar to Mystere – with the stage jutting into the audience.

The balcony, though, is very steep! And I didn’t find it a great place to sit, but I’ll share more about that later.

There are also many seating options, from traditional theater seats to barstools, sofas, and curved chairs. So, it’s a good idea to consider what type you prefer before getting tickets.

Seating Chart

The Mad Apple Theater has two levels of seating. The main level includes sections 101-104, 201-205, and stageside, while the upper level (balcony) contains sections 301-305.

When reviewing the seating chart, you’ll see nine different ticket pricing options available. The price of each ticket depends on several factors, including:

• Type of seating (i.e., barstool, couch, etc.)
• Viewing angle
• Distance from the stage
• Whether the seat is on an aisle

Photos: Seat Views

Okay, now let’s get to the good stuff – the view from the seats!

Honestly, I think there are too many pricing categories for the size of the venue. On my tour, I didn’t notice that big of a difference in the experience to justify so many price changes.

But, alas, I’m not the venue or in charge of the pricing!

So, I’m just going to show you some photos I took from various locations to help you pick the best spot for you. And I’ll tell you the seat type you can expect based on each category, too.

VIP

VIP is the most expensive ticket option for Mad Apple. There are only 14 available, and they’re in the front of sections 102 and 103.

These seats are couches, and I found them to be the most comfortable in the entire venue. They also offer the most legroom and even come with a small table for your drinks.

But the best part about VIP is that you’ll get to meet the artists before the performance.

Here’s what the VIP couches look like:

This next image is a picture I took of the view from the VIP couches. I’m standing behind section 103 here in VP1:

Premier

Premier is in sections 102 and 103, right behind the VIP couches. These seats are in the second row and provide a fantastic view of the stage.

The premier seating features rounded back chairs, known as barrel chairs. While they don’t have cup holders, you’ll find a small table between the chairs for your drinks.

These also give you more room to stretch out compared to the theater seats behind them. Here’s an image of the barrel chairs in the premier area:

And this is the sightline from a premier ticket in section 102, VP2, seat 4:

Golden Circle

Anytime you see “Golden Circle” at a Cirque show, you know that this area is one of the best locations in the theater.

Mad Apple’s Golden Circle includes the front two rows in sections VP1 and VP2 and rows C through E of 102 and 103.

In 102 and 103, the Golden Circle seats are regular theater chairs. But in sections 101 and 104, they are barrel-back.

Here’s a photo I took showing the view from VP2 in section 101:

Category C

My friend and I chose to sit in category C. These seats are well-located on the main level of the theater. None are too far back, making it easy to feel immersed in the action.

I thought our view was fantastic – it was the perfect distance away to catch everything on stage and in the air.

The following is a picture I took from my seat in row G, section 103. Our tickets were near the middle of the row:

Category C Aisle

The next photo shows an example of a category C aisle seat. These aisle seats cost more than regular category C tickets – about $30 extra per ticket.

Sitting on the aisle, though, doesn’t always mean a better view. For example, in the photo below, you can see that it’s not as close to the stage and more angled than my location above.

This is from section 202, J, seat 1:

Category D

Category D is the most popular choice due to its price point and relatively good location.

These tickets are on the sides of the theater, towards the back of the lower level, and in the first row of the balcony.

Below is a photo of the sightline from a category D ticket in section 101. I’m standing behind G here.

You’ll have a good view of the performers at the back of the stage from this spot. But when they are at the front, you’ll have a side view or be looking at their backs.

The following image is another example of a category D ticket. I’m sitting in the first row of the balcony (AA) in section 302.

There’s also a railing in front of me, which somewhat blocks the view, so I’m not the biggest fan of this location:

The next photo also shows a category D sightline. This time, I’m sitting in section 203, row M:

Category E & F

Categories F and E are the most affordable options for Mad Apple and usually cost the same.

Category F is bar stools. You’ll find these in row O of 202 and 203, row GG of 302 and 303, and rows AA and BB of 301 and 305.

As far as stools go, these are comfortable and nicely padded! All barstool locations have a ledge where you can set your drinks.

But they also all have a railing in front. Most guests will sit high enough above it that it won’t block the view, but it may be slightly in your lower sightline.

Here’s a photo I took of the barstools in section 301, row BB:

The following picture shows what the view is like from that same spot:

Category E tickets are on the balcony and also on the main level, but in the very back of the theater.

This next image is an example of a category E sightline, from section 202, in N:

My Recommendations

The following are my suggestions for the top places to sit in the Mad Apple theater – and the ticket locations I’d avoid.

Best Seats

For the best experience at Cirque du Soleil’s Mad Apple, I recommend sitting in sections 102 or 103, in rows VP1 to G.

This area gives you a fantastic view without being too far to the side, allowing you to enjoy all the action–whether on stage or above you.

You also won’t get distracted by people walking in front of you, which can be a problem in the 200-level seats.

Where Not To Sit At Mad Apple

Balcony

The balcony is very steep, and my photo below doesn’t capture how steep it actually is!

It’s also pretty far away from the stage. So, because of that, I don’t think you’ll feel fully engaged in the action sitting here.

But because the price is reasonable, if you are going to sit on the balcony, I’d opt for the first row of barstools (AA) in 301 and 305.

You’ll be much closer to the stage sitting there than the chairs in sections 302 and 304.

Stageside

Stageside tickets are typically the lowest-priced option available.

While the chairs here are some of the best in the venue, you will be watching most of the show from behind the performers.

Here’s a look at the stageside chairs:

These seats feel like you’re actually part of the stage, so the viewing angle is awkward. In my opinion, this location is not worth getting.

My Final Thoughts

My friend and I really enjoyed the show! And we felt that our location was the perfect distance from the stage. (For reference, we sat in G, chair numbers 13 and 14 in section 103.)

However, I found my specific theater seat somewhat uncomfortable.

I’m not sure if it was just my chair or if all of them were like that, but I think I would prefer to sit in a barstool or a barrel chair the next time I go. 🙂