MAY THE FUNNY
FORCE BE WITH YOU

A solo show that blasts fandom toxicity into hyperspace

Plot a course, prime the hyperdrive, and punch it, Chewie! A sci-fi multimedia solo show lands in the 2026 FRIGID New York City Fringe Festival.

“Ahsoka Tano is arguably one of the most Millennial Star Wars characters to ever exist,” asserts comedian Justin Avery Smith as he dons a headpiece based on the character’s alien hair. “She’s someone who is overqualified to work in a field that undervalues her, raised to trust institutions that betrayed her.”

Obviously, it goes without saying: with a title like Revenge of the Soy Boy, you’re going to have to be pretty familiar with Star Wars and its online fandom discourse to follow along. For those unfamiliar, a “soy boy” is a put-down (usually from one male teenager to another) that casts doubt on the masculinity of the one who receives the epithet. The term is based on the presence of the phytoestrogen isoflavone in soybeans, which has led some to claim that soy products feminize men who consume them.

If this sounds asinine and childish… it’s because it is. But it can be a catalyst for great art, as Smith has discovered. Addressing the absurdity and acrimoniousness of online fandom spaces, Justin explores his feelings about being an active content creator and real-life comedian in the current climate, where hyperbole is a baseline and nuance means nothing.

Mixing solo soliloquy with videos of his online content from TikTok and Instagram, Smith recounts the story of being branded a soy boy by Star Wars fans in the comment section of one of his posts. He goes on to tell more comedic stories and share his observations of the fandom for George Lucas’s signature work. Costume changes throughout the show deliver his parody takes on Princess Leia’s interrogation scene in Episode IV: A New Hope, Ahsoka, and Rey’s pillaging of the downed Star Destroyer in Episode VII: The Force Awakens.

Directed by Jacob Musgrove, Revenge of the Soy Boy depends greatly on how online you are when it comes to Star Wars. Followers of Justin’s material will be up to speed, but those less familiar with his work—or the contentious nature of internet “community”—will appreciate the parody of the familiar yellow-lettered opening crawl that precedes most Star Wars movies and brings audiences up to speed.

Hop onboard and make the Kessel Run with Justin. And may the Force be with you—always.

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photos courtesy of the production

Revenge of the Soy Boy
written and performed by Justin Avery Smith
2026 New York City Fringe Festiva
UNDER St. Marks, 94 St Marks Place, New York
reviewed on Sun April 12
streaming version available (30 minutes)
ends on April 19, 2026

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