Tomatoes
tried to Kill me
But Banjos Saved My Life

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

Accolades

Awards

SOLD OUT RUN
OFF-BROADWAY
SOLD OUT RUN
2025, 2024, 2023
EDINBURGH
WINNER
MOST INSPIRATIONAL
NEW YORK CITY

Reviews & Press

Banjo-playing performer strikes a chord with Calgary audiences
Banjo-playing performer strikes a chord with Calgary audiences
January 20, 2020

For two weeks, Keith Alessi didn’t know if he was going to live or die. “It was a heck of a wake-up call,” said Alessi of the time he spent in hospital fighting cancer. “You really do reflect upon what have I done with my life?”

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

Keith Alessi - Edinburgh Interview
Keith Alessi - Edinburgh Interview
January 1, 2021

The Fringe in Review Podcast - We continue our coverage of theSpaceUK which which brings a second season of shows from all genres via its digital platform. Written and spoken word, theatre and music, there is plenty to appreciate and enjoy during lockdown.

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.