Einstein Simplified makes a funny move

Photo by Greg Wood

From left, Michael Richardson, Frank Murphy and Paul Simmons of Einstein Simplified.

Photo by Greg Wood

From left, Michael Richardson, Frank Murphy and Paul Simmons of Einstein Simplified.

KNOXVILLE — After holding the Tuesday night slot at Patrick Sullivan's for eight years, local improvisational comedy troupe Einstein Simplified is moving their weekly show to the Square Room on Aug. 31.

Einstein Simplified has performed their short-form comedy - similar to the TV show "Whose Line is it Anyway?" - in the Old City since their formation in 1994, bouncing between Manhattan's and Patrick Sullivan's multiple times.

This year the group performed in Market Square as part of Knoxville's First Night and at the Square Room in June as part of the International Biscuit Festival. This soon prompted their invitation to hold the Square Room's Tuesday night slot. They accepted, given their successful shows at both events.

"All this room does is put on shows," group member Michael Richardson says of the Square Room.

The Square Room is a performance-centered venue. It has a larger capacity than the group's recent home in Sullivan's third floor Great Hall and a more extensive sound system (with more microphones) since the majority of the venue's shows consist of live music.

"It comes with all sorts of bells and whistles," member Paul Simmons adds, pointing out the dual projector screens on either side of the stage. The group says this will allow them to incorporate new aspects into the show.

Troupe member Frank Murphy explained that the TV screens and high-quality PA system might allow them to introduce a game where two performers narrate dialogue over video clips, whereas Sullivan's setup didn't provide them with such an opportunity.

These factors lead the group to believe that the space is a better fit for them than at Patrick Sullivan's. They point out they aren't bailing on the Old City so much as they're "changing tracks," as Murphy says.

The group's decision to move comes just months after the closing of Manhattan's, which they speculate has led to a decline in foot traffic in the Old City.

Richardson says that at their Patrick Sullivan's shows, the crowd was there specifically to see them. "We have regulars who have been coming for over eight years," he says. Because their act rarely repeats jokes and most of it is made up on the spot, audience members can return to performances and essentially see a new show.

Although the group says there hasn't been any change in their crowd size, they feel the move to the Square Room might increase their crowd due to the popularity of Market Square.

"This is a happening place," Richardson says of Market Square. The group feels like there isn't as much bar-hopping action in the Old City like there used to be, and people from outside of the downtown area might be more likely to head to Market Square.

Before relocating to Market Square, Einstein Simplified polled their fans and met with a positive response. Richardson, Simmons, and Murphy all state that they're excited about moving to the Square Room, and they believe it will benefit both the group and their audience.

The move roughly coincides with the group's 16th anniversary on Aug. 22 (their last date at Patrick Sullivan's was Aug. 24).

"Now that the group can drive, we're leaving for Market Square!" Simmons quips.

The shows will continue to be "free to get in, but you have to pay to leave," Murphy says. The troupe collects tips as people leave the venue after a performance.

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