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

CTV News Calgary Interview
CTV News Calgary Interview
January 16, 2020

Lunchbox Theatre presents a must see show where the banjo has a starring role.

Keith Alessi - CBC Calgary Eyeopener Interview
Keith Alessi - CBC Calgary Eyeopener Interview
January 9, 2020

Global News - Edmonton Fringe Reviews
Global News - Edmonton Fringe Reviews
August 23, 2019

On Friday evening, Todd James reviewed Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me But Banjos Saved My Life (5/5)...

Audience Feedback

That was, without doubt, the finest fringe-style show I have ever seen. It was sensational in every important way. The subject was compelling. The script was carefully crafted: there was not one surplus word, and there were a number of clever connections to earlier moments. The use of tomatoes and banjos for life’s challenges and victories is nothing short of brilliant. It was poignant, moving, funny and uplifting. And your storytelling superb. It was so impressive."

Nice Loved this show! Riveting and profound. Live life to the fullest."

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.