After a major life-changing event caused a high-flying corporate CEO to suddenly retire and reevaluate what’s important in life, a banjo-picking storyteller was created with a message of resilience, hope and perseverance. Now, he tells his inspiring story at Fringe Festivals and shows in the US, Canada and this past May, the UK, at the 2019 Brighton Fringe Festival.

‘Tomatoes Tried To Kill Me, But Banjos Saved My Life,’ written and performed by Keith Alessi, is an award-winning and highly reviewed one-man show that has been touring North American since June of 2018 after it premiered in Chicago, Illinois. He tells the story of his multi-cultural boyhood, meteoric rise in the boardroom to the startling news that changed his life forever. He candidly reveals to his audience how he used that obstacle to find a new passion in music and a cathartic outlet in storytelling.

At the 2019 New York City Frigid Fringe Festival, it received three awards, including Most Inspirational Show.

Sold out runs Winnipeg, Edmonton, Vancouver Fringe

Best Productions Winnipeg, Edmonton, Vancouver Fringe

5 Star reviews Winnipeg, Edmonton, and Vancouver

Sold out runs Off Broadway and Lunch Box Theatre Calgary

Home Base: British Columbia

Touring Schedule: Click here