January 24, 2024
As a courtesy to the artists and for the uninterrupted enjoyment of your fellow patrons, please turn off all electronic devices. No portion of this performance may be photographed, recorded, filmed, taped, broadcast or mechanically reproduced without the written consent of the Artist and/or the Presenter. Mayo Performing Arts Center is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Program subject to change.
Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me But Banjos Saved My Life
Directorʼs Note Keith’s story is as important as it is compelling and a meaningful lesson for all of us. Our stories change us, challenge us, and define us. There is healing in speaking out the truth. Life can throw us obstacles but, if we choose to look at it through a different lens, they can be the gifts to steer us back to ourselves and our souls. This has been the heartbeat of the show and the magic I have attempted to capture and draw out in the sharing of his personal story. Keith is an entertaining and dynamic storyteller but it his bravery, authenticity and vulnerability on stage that holds the real power to this piece. We have purposefully constructed it in a way that allows him to engage you in the journey, disarm you with music and humor and then pull at your heartstrings. It has been an absolute privilege to be a part of bringing this incredible story to the stage and it is my hope that it will cause you to reflect on your own journey, wake you up to listen to that nudge inside of you and unlock the passions that have been tucked away.
About Us Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me But Banjos Saved My Life isn’t just a show, it’s a cause. A heartfelt passion project that began as a nudge after Keith Alessi’s life took a major turn, it has been his mission to raise money for causes close to his heart. Through donations, including 100% of all artist fees, the show has raised over $615,000 (USD) as of September 2023 for various cancer, community, music and theatre charities. Keith shares his exceptional true story of leaving the world of corporate board rooms behind to follow his long-delayed passion—playing the banjo! When faced with a deadly cancer battle, his musical pursuit takes him on a journey that becomes the key to saving his life. Told through authentic storytelling, heartfelt humour and music, this show is an uplifting story of challenge, triumph, and the power of positivity. The show has been highly awarded and has toured internationally, including sold out runs across Canada, Off-Broadway in New York City, and at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland. This intimate experience is one sure to leave you feeling empowered, inspired, and ready to dust off your own long forgotten dreams.
January 24, 2024
Keith Alessi
Writer/Performer Before taking to the stage, Keith was a well-known public company CEO, entrepreneur, and college professor. He led companies in both Canada and the United States. He has performed in Fringe Festivals and other professional venues across Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. A dual CA/US citizen, Keith splits his time between Vancouver, British Columbia and Meadows of Dan, Virginia. He is a certified public accountant and received his MBA from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
Erika Conway
Producer/Director/Dramaturg Erika Conway, a Canadian actress, writer, director and producer is no stranger to the stage. Her 30-year performance career has included acting in multiple roles both on stage and in film/TV, as well as creating and producing her own one woman show which had sold our performances at the Edmonton Fringe Festival. The desire to connect with authentic and meaningful stories ultimately led her to expand her work on ‘Tomatoes Tried To Kill Me But Banjos Saved My Life,’ and has been the inspiration to continue her passion of creativity in building a coaching business that helps people unlock their passions and discover their authentic voice. To learn more visit Erika’s website: https://erikaconway.com/ Tonight's production of Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me But Banjos Saved My Life is co-presented by:
Ticket proceeds from this event will support Morris Arts’ Arts in Health programs and MPAC’s Arts and Wellness initiatives.
To learn more about and support Morris Arts’ Arts in Health programs, please go to
www.MorrisArts.org
To learn more about and support Mayo Performing Arts Center, please go to
www.MayoArts.org
MPAC and Morris Arts thank
for its support of our programs.