One-night only special event
Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me But Banjos Saved My Life
Written and Performed by Keith Alessi
Directed and Produced by Erika Conway
May 7, 2026
7:00PM (doors at 6:30PM)
Hugh’s Room Live*
296 Broadview Avenue
Toronto, ON M4M 2G7
Join us for a very special evening in support of Studio 180 Theatre as performer Keith Alessi shares his solo show, Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me But Banjos Saved My Life, a charming, autobiographical story of passion, art, and resilience.
Alessi is on a mission to raise money for causes close to his heart and is donating his performance – and all proceeds from the event – directly to support Studio 180 Theatre’s ongoing work fostering compelling conversations on stage, in the classroom, and in the community.
The journey of how this show came to us is every bit as compelling as what you’ll see on stage. Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me But Banjos Saved My Life is a heartfelt passion project that began after Keith Alessi’s life took a surprising turn – and now he’s using it to support worthy causes around the world.
Neither an actor nor a musician by trade, Alessi was faced with a major cancer battle and, in the wake of his brush with mortality, chose to leave the world of corporate boardrooms behind to follow his long-delayed passion: playing the banjo. It was a pursuit that would ultimately help save his life.
Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me But Banjos Saved My Life, which premiered at the Toronto Fringe in 2018, reflects the power and purpose our stories can have when shared with honesty and authenticity.
“When this show debuted in Toronto in 2018, we had no idea about the journey that was about to unfold. Toronto audiences inspired us to keep going. It’s amazing to return—eight years, six countries, and 430 shows later—having raised over $1.3 million for charity in the process.” — Keith Alessi
“I’m really overwhelmed by the generosity of what Keith is doing for Studio 180 with this fundraiser. So much work goes into what we do and, while it may seem like we just pop up for a few weeks throughout the year when we present a mainstage production, we have a really passionate team working year-round, planning, fundraising, delivering our education program and working to find more ways to engage directly with audiences through the work we do. I’m so excited to have this opportunity to connect as a community and to raise the desperately needed funds that will allow us to continue to tell stories that matter.” — Studio 180 Artistic Director, Mark McGrinder
A storyteller supporting storytellers.
Please join us for a lighthearted evening of music, laughter, and community. Your support will help us continue to tell our own stories for years to come.
Tickets are $25
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Additional purchase options include:
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$180 ticket
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or
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*Please note that Hugh’s Room Live is not a fully accessible venue. If you have questions about accessibility, please email: jenna@studio180theatre.com.
Register for Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me But Banjos Saved My Life
Credits
Keith Alessi
Writer/Performer
Before taking to the stage, Keith was well known as a successful public company CEO, having run companies in both Canada and the United States. He has been a college professor, entrepreneur and has served on numerous corporate and charitable Boards of Directors.
A dual Canadian/US citizen, Keith lives in Meadows of Dan, Virginia. He is a certified public accountant and received his MBA from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
Keith has been touring the show internationally since 2018 across the United States, Canada, England, Scotland and Australia.
Here is his LinkedIn Page to find out what he did before taking to the stage!
Erika Conway
Director/Producer
Erika Conway is a Canadian actress, writer, director, and creative collaborator with over 35 years in the performing arts across theatre, film, and television. Her passion lies in working with people to unlock their innate creativity, personal stories, and authentic voice. Her work is grounded in a belief in the healing power of storytelling, community connection, and art that gives back.
Erika is the director and producer of the internationally-touring solo show Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me But Banjos Saved My Life, which has toured across Canada, the United States, the UK, and Australia. She has been privileged to collaborate on the show since its inception in 2018, and it remains one of the highlights of her career.
When not touring, Erika develops workshops and creative programs supporting others in finding their voice, reclaiming creativity, and coming home to themselves through story.