THEATRE PREVIEW

MAY 2026 | Volume 263

 

An Award Winning, Internationally Toured, Inspirational True Story
A Fundraiser for Western Gold Theatre and the West End Seniors' Network**

Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me But Banjos Saved My Life is more than a show—it's a movement. Created by Keith Alessi and directed by Erika Conway, it tells the true story of how a life-threatening cancer diagnosis led Keith, a well-known CEO, to leave the corporate world and embrace his long-deferred passion for the banjo. He ultimately found physical and emotional healing in a circle of musicians, and this shows tells that story.

While his journey to the stage may have been an improbable one, Keith's has performed his show at Fringe Festivals and other professional venues, and his story of perseverance and survival continues to resonate and inspire audiences. Peppered with humour, Keith's deeply moving journey celebrates resilience, music, the importance of giving back, the power of following your dreams – and never giving up.

"When this show made its Vancouver debut in 2018, we had no idea about the journey that was about to unfold. Vancouver audiences always inspire us to keep going, and we love bringing the show back here whenever we can.  It's amazing to return again—now eight years, six countries, and 430 shows later from that initial debut—having raised over $1.3 million (CAD) for charity in the process." — Keith Alessi

"For some intangible and ethereal reason I can't quite pinpoint, art changes lives and makes us feel better. It helps us see the world in different ways. It makes us generous. So when a person discovers the artist in themselves after going through something life-changing – and they use this artistry for good – it is beyond inspiring. Keith's journey with his dear friend the banjo brought this home to me – the power of music, performance, laughter and giving back. I knew immediately that Western Gold audiences would love this beautiful show. The fact that Keith is sharing it with us as a gift to our wee company and our community is nothing short of amazing and I am so grateful. The "bonus" is, I gotta say, that Keith and his show are totally kick ass – and he plays a mean banjo, too! "—Western Gold Theatre's Artistic Director, Tanja Dixon-Warren

This internationally toured, highly awarded performance has sold-out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe 3 years in a row, OFF-Broadway in New York City and across Canada and the US. This award-winning production has continued to inspire and empower audiences around the world with its message and philanthropy.

Keith has donated 100% of his portion of ticket sales to cancer communities, theatre charities, and artist development with contributions to date totaling over $1.3 Million (CAD).

**Proceeds from this run will benefit WGT's Creative Accessibilities program which keeps older artists 'on the boards' through the creation and production of new theatrical productions. 

★★★★★"Storytelling at its best!"-Playbill Edinburgh

★★★★★"Anyone who loves an underdog story, step this way and be ready to laugh and weep in equal measure."-North West End UK

★★★★★"Each string of his banjo is worthy of its own star- no hesitation."-The Recs (Edinburgh)

★★★★★"His spell-bounding, heartwarming, and completely inspiring story is related in a friendly, folksy manner peppered with toe-tapping banjo music and a host of hilarious banjo jokes." - Theatre Eddys (San Francisco)

PAL Studio Theatre, 8th Floor, 581 Cardero Street, Vancouver
Evenings: Thurs-Sat at 7:30pm | Matinees: Sat & Sun @ 2:00pm
Tickets: $40
Info & Ticket Link: https://westerngoldtheatre.org/on-stage/#tomatoes

Show links: WEBSITE  |   TRAILER

 

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