Tomatoes
tried to Kill me
but Banjos Saved My Life show
An Award Winning, Inspirational True Story

Keith Alessi playing a banjo

Since its humble beginnings as a six-show experiment, Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me But Banjos Saved My Life has grown into a powerful force for good, raising money for important causes and touching countless lives. Keith's Italian-American heritage and his unique life journey make his story all the more relatable and inspiring, and his message of hope and resilience is one that resonates with people from all walks of life.

Tomatoes Tried to Kill me Awards

Sold Out Run
Edinburgh Fringe 2024
Pick of the Fringe
Mervyn Stutter's Pick
Edinburgh
Sold Out Run
Edinburgh Fringe 2023
Winner
Fringe Encore Series
New York City
Sold Out Run
Off Broadway
Sold Out Run
Edinburgh Fringe 2024
Pick of the Fringe
Mervyn Stutter's Pick
Edinburgh
Sold Out Run
Edinburgh Fringe 2023
Winner
Fringe Encore Series
New York City
Sold Out Run
Off Broadway
Winner
Most Inspirational
New York City
Sold Out Run
Edinburgh Fringe 2024
Pick of the Fringe
Mervyn Stutter's Pick
Edinburgh
Sold Out Run
Edinburgh Fringe 2023
19
19
-
23
Feb
2025
Workshop West Playwrights' Theatre
Edmonton, Albeta
Venue
Buy Tickets
TICKETS COMING SOON!
27
27
-
08
Feb
2025
Chemainus Theatre
Chemainus
Venue
Buy Tickets
TICKETS COMING SOON!

Upcoming Shows

19
19
-
23
Feb
2025
Workshop West Playwrights' Theatre
Edmonton, Albeta
Venue
Buy Tickets
Sold Out!
TICKETS COMING SOON!
27
27
-
08
Feb
2025
Chemainus Theatre
Chemainus
Venue
Buy Tickets
Sold Out!
TICKETS COMING SOON!
10
10
-
13
Jul
2025
Fort Myers Florida
Venue
Buy Tickets
Sold Out!
TICKETS COMING SOON!

INSPIRING COMMUNITY STORIES

The Resilient Oak and the Emerging Sapling: A Tale of Strength, Perseverance, and Renewal Amidst the Storm

The old oak tree stood defiant against the relentless gale. Its branches, gnarled and twisted by years of storms, creaked and groaned under the immense pressure. The wind howled, threatening to tear the tree from its roots, but the oak held firm.

Deep within its heartwood, a tiny seed, planted by a passing bird, began to sprout. It pushed through the soil, defying the vibrations of the storm. The seedling was weak, vulnerable, but it clung to life, drawing strength from the oak's unwavering resilience.

As the storm raged, the seedling learned to bend, to sway, to find balance amidst the chaos. It grew stronger, nourished by the rain and the sunlight that filtered through the leaves. Finally, the wind subsided, leaving behind a trail of destruction. The oak tree, battered but unbroken, stood tall, a testament to the power of perseverance. And beside it, a young sapling reached for the sky, a symbol of hope and renewal."

A.S
Pip's Big Adventure: Conquering the Porch Step and Discovering a World of New Possibilities

Pip, a wobbly-legged corgi pup, faced a mountain. Okay, a slightly raised porch step. But to Pip, it was Everest. He'd try, his tiny paws slipping, his tail drooping. He whined, discouraged. Then, a butterfly fluttered by, landing on a nearby flower. Pip, distracted, lunged, his paws finding purchase on the step. He scrambled up, surprised. From his lofty perch, the world stretched out, full of new smells and exciting possibilities. The porch step wasn't Everest after all, just a small bump on the path to adventure.

A.S