Tomatoes
tried to Kill me
But Banjos Saved My Life

An Award Winning, Inspirational True Story
Keith Alessi playing a banjo

Accolades

Awards

Winner
Fringe Encore Series
New York City
Winner
Festival Spirit
New York City
Top Three Fringe Picks
Edmonton

Reviews & Press

5 STARS-THE RECS (EDINBURGH)
5 STARS-THE RECS (EDINBURGH)
September 6, 2025

"This is an hour of pure joy."

THEATRE WEEKLY (EDINBURGH)
THEATRE WEEKLY (EDINBURGH)
August 5, 2025

"It’s poignant, hopeful and utterly compelling, avoiding sentimentality and mawkishness — and I defy you not to have a tear in your eye at key points."

5 STARS-North West End UK
5 STARS-North West End UK
August 4, 2025

"Anyone who loves an underdog story, step this way and be ready to laugh and weep in equal measure."

Audience Feedback

Thoughtful, touching biography. Being an expat Canadian living in NYC, having grown up at a similar time too, I was personally engaged yet the material was not only touching and graciously presented, the performance was poignant. Everyone in the audience felt it; there was a subtle unifying connection. It was uplifting and inexplicable definitely in the mix, making it a lasting contentment of shared experience.

Loved the show... I laughed... I cried... I walked away with good lessons...

Very touching. Good performance.