Tomatoes Tried To Kill Me But Banjos Saved My Life at Theatre Conspiracy

Theatre Conspiracy’s Farewell tour is a year of giving back to Fort Myers, and in that spirit, Keith Alessi will perform the internationally acclaimed Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me But Banjoes Saved My Life on July 10 - 13. Proceeds from each show benefit local non-profits. 

Keith Alessi’s oneman show—lauded with fivestar reviews, soldout runs at OffBroadway 2019, and multiple sellouts at both the Edinburgh Fringe and North American tours—shares his journey from corporate CEO to cancer survivor and banjo player extraordinaire. Diagnosed with stagethree esophageal cancer and given a 50% chance of surviving a year, he took a chance on music and discovered the healing power of the banjo and storytelling

Over 370 performances and counting, the show has raised over $1million Canadian for charities worldwide—literally turning hardship into hope. Now, it returns to Southwest Florida, highlighting Theatre Conspiracy’s final season and its commitment to community support.

“As part of our Farewell Tour, we wanted something meaningful,” says Bill Taylor, founder and Artistic Director. “Keith’s story brings laughter, courage, and healing—and it gives back directly to our community.” 

Don’t miss this rare chance to experience a show that transforms personal struggle into universal inspiration—and funds vital local causes. When "Tomatoes" returns to Fort Myers, it’s more than theatre—it’s a gift to the heart of the community.

Before taking to the stage, Keith was a well-known, successful public company CEO, entrepreneur, and college professor. He led companies in both Canada and the United States.

A Dual CA/US citizen, Keith splits his time between Meadows of Dan, Virginia, and Naples, Florida. He is a certified public accountant and received his MBA from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Erika, 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 has sold-out performances at the Edmonton Fringe Festival.

The desire to connect with authentic and meaningful stories 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 for creativity in building a coaching business that helps people unlock their passions and discover their authentic voice. To contact Erika, visit her website at www.erikaconway.com

And 50% of the proceeds from this show go to local SWFL nonprofits:

July 10th -  ACMA (American Community Music Association) - Provides a venue for nationally touring artists, many award-winning performers in the national and international Americana/Folk community.

The Acoustic Music Society of Southwest Florida - A 501c3 non-profit community-supported music organization doing business as Palmgrass. We host bluegrass music events primarily in Lee and Collier counties in southwest Florida.

July 11th = Florida Repertory Theatre - Brings spectacular stories to life on stage in the heart of the Fort Myers Historic River District. Performing in the Historic Arcade and ArtStage Studio Theatres, the fully professional regional theatre brings over 87,000 visitors to SWFL each year, to see nationally recognized comedies, dramas, new plays, and musicals. According to The Wall Street Journal Florida Rep is, "As Good as Broadway!"

Players Circle Theater - Has a three-fold mission: To create a home for a variety of theater employing an ensemble of professionals; to become an outlet for community involvement in the arts' and to enrich, educate, and entertain our community with classes and performances. We intend to fulfill that mission as a nonprofit organization that operates in a fiscally responsible manner and keeps its programming accessible to all.

July 12th - The United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades Counties - A volunteer organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for all people in our community. All of the money raised stays right here in our community.

July 13th - Barbara's Friends—Golisano Children's Hospital Cancer Fund - Provides resources to fulfill the treatment and educational needs of pediatric oncology and hematology patients at Golisano Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida.

Performance Dates:

July 10, 11, 12 at 7:30 PM

July 13 at 2:00 PM

Tickets are $40. Tickets are available at www.theatreconspiracy.org or by calling the box office at 239.208.1003.

Theatre Conspiracy’s 33rd Season & Farewell Tour is sponsored by Janet & Bruce Bunch.