Tomatoes
tried to Kill me
But Banjos Saved My Life

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

Accolades

Awards

Winner
Festival Spirit
New York City
Top Three Fringe Picks
Edmonton
Sold Out Run
Edmonton Winnipeg Vancouver

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?”

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

Audience Feedback

A very touching performance, describing his own life and cancer journey. Very poignant, reminding us what is important, and a need to reflect on one's life. A must-see show!

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.