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- PLAYBILL (EDINBURGH)
5 STARS- PLAYBILL (EDINBURGH)
August 1, 2025

"It is his purity of self that draws the audience in, his story glistening with intrigue yet unvarnished by twisted truths. It is storytelling at its finest, a fitting descendent of the bards and balladeers who have gathered crowds about them for millennia, eyes gleaming in the firelight."

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."

PBS & Buzz4good TV Interview-"It's All About The Music"
PBS & Buzz4good TV Interview-"It's All About The Music"
March 7, 2025

Keith does an interview for an episode on Buzz4good TV.

Audience Feedback

Keith is a wonderful storyteller. I admire his ability to pinpoint and convey the "Big Bang" moments in his life to craft such a beautiful and moving narrative. His story is profoundly resonant and poignant- it had me still reflecting on my own life long after the show ended.

Keith Alessi tells his own story in a very beautiful way about his life and always looking forward through the windscreen, not in the rear view mirror. Highly recommended. We went to see it not sure what to expect but were highly rewarded.

GO SEE THIS!!! Beautiful story told masterfully in a way that has you hooked. Honesty. Clarity. Reality. And a touch of banjo music. Keith tells his personal true story and causes lightbulb moments to go off for everyone in the audience. Amazing. Great show.”