Eugene Mirman Praises Julia Masli’s Rockwell Theatre Show
Boston crowds invited to experience the eccentric performance by celebrated circus artist Masli
Poulami is an associate editor. She did her MA in English from Miranda House, University of Delhi and has qualified UGC-NET. She also holds a PG diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her journey as a content writer began in 2017 and since then, Poulami has garnered diverse interests along the way.
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Eugene Mirman, the Russian-American comedian whose voice work as Gene Belcher on Bob’s Burgers has won him a cult following, turned the spotlight on Julia Masli this weekend. In an Instagram post on May 20, Mirman enthused, “Just saw @juliamasli at the @rockwellthtr and it was so great,” adding that anyone in greater Boston should catch the show on Thursday, May 22. The call to action has put Masli’s offbeat circus-meets-vaudeville act in the local spotlight, driving ticket sales for the limited engagement at the Rockwell Theatre in Somerville.
Mirman Applauds Masli’s Unique Act
In his brief but enthusiastic caption, Mirman highlighted Masli’s blend of improvisation, physical comedy and surreal props. While he didn’t spoil any specific bits, his endorsement carries weight: Mirman’s own stand-up relies on absurdist humor that pairs well with Masli’s inventive style. Fans familiar with Masli’s run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival will recognize the comparison—she’s earned praise for turning everyday objects into comedic catalysts, inviting audience participation and navigating staged chaos with effortless charm.
Show Details And Ticket Info
Julia Masli’s performance at the Rockwell Theatre runs Thursday, May 22 at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7:30 p.m. The venue, located at 255 Elm St. in Somerville’s Davis Square, seats just under 200, making for an intimate experience. Tickets are available through rockwelltheatre.org or by calling the box office. Organizers warn that seats are limited and, after Mirman’s post, sales have jumped. Local theatergoers describe the setup as a minimalist stage dotted with unexpected elements—think scissors, paper packages and a single toy penguin—which Masli transforms into the backbone of her comedic narrative.
Masli’s Rise In Physical Comedy
Julia Masli first drew international attention with her show The Great Disappointment at the 2023 Edinburgh Fringe, where she was nominated for Best Newcomer. A former circus performer, Masli studied at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre before reshaping her training into a solo comedy format. Critics have called her work fresh for its unpredictable pacing and inventiveness; audiences often emerge with stories of narrowly missing paper airplanes or being roped into slapstick sketches. While detailed reviews of the Somerville run are still trickling in, the buzz suggests she’s maintaining that same high-energy, off-kilter approach.
Comedian’s Boston Ties Run Deep
Mirman’s shout-out underscores a deeper relationship with the Boston arts scene. After immigrating from Russia as a child, he honed his offbeat persona on local college radio before moving to New York in the late ’90s. He’s returned regularly to headline clubs like Laugh Boston and the Comedy Studio in Cambridge, and he teamed with WBUR’s Sandwiches of History Live! in Copley Square this spring, pairing food nostalgia with stand-up. His 2004 album En Garde and later specials—such as 2020’s Happy to Be Here—solidified his reputation for controlled chaos. That pedigree makes his seal of approval a powerful draw for area audiences.
Whether you discovered Masli through Mirman’s feed or have been tracking her since Edinburgh, the Rockwell show promises a one-of-a-kind evening. For those who love comedy that blurs the line between performance art and classic stand-up, this is a rare chance to see a rising star in an undersized venue. As Mirman wrote, “If you’re in the Boston area go see this Thursday 5/22!”—advice that now seems hard to ignore.
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