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Show carries important life message
Posted on September 29, 2026 by Ryan DahlmanShaunavon Standard
Local audiences were treated to a world-class performance earlier this month
as the acclaimed one-man show, “Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me But Banjos Saved
My Life,” came to Shaunavon on the first stop of a provincial tour.
The performance, which took place on Sept. 17 at Darkhorse Theatre, served
as a joint fundraiser between the Grand Coteau Heritage & Cultural Centre
and South West Chronic Disease Support Inc. (SWCDS).
The event raised approximately $2,400 to be split equally between the two
organizations. SWCDS raised an additional $550 through cookie donations.
“It was a nice partnership between the SWCDS and the Grand Coteau Centre,”
explained Joanne Gregoire, Director of the Grand Coteau Centre.
“We were really happy with the turnout. It was a nicely full hall, which was
great to see.”
Written and performed by Keith Alessi and directed by Erika Conway, the show
is an inspirational true story. Alessi, a former Canadian CEO, left the
corporate world to learn the banjo after receiving a life-threatening cancer
diagnosis.
The performance earned rave reviews from those in attendance and left a
lasting impression with many audience members.
“It was a very great show with a nice blend of music and storytelling,”
Gregoire said. “(Alessi) was very engaging and did a fine job presenting his
story. I think everyone left with a good feeling. It carried an important
message about focusing on what is truly important in life.”
The show has evolved into a global philanthropic initiative. Alessi does not
charge any appearance fees and donates 100 per cent of his portion of ticket
sales to cancer support groups, theatre charities, and artist development.
To date, the show has raised over $1.4 million globally, a mission Alessi is
continuing through the 2026/2027 season.
Because Alessi waived his fees and the Darkhorse Theatre donated the venue
space for free, local organizers were able to keep their costs to a minimum.
“It was a great opportunity for us with low cost and little risk,”
Gregoire added. “In the end, it turned out to be a great show and a terrific
experience.”
The Shaunavon performance marked the official launch of the show’s
provincial tour with the Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils (OSAC).
Prior to the Saskatchewan tour, the production completed runs at the
Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Off-Broadway in New York City, and various venues
across Canada and the United States.
Local sponsorship for the Shaunavon event was provided by Western Financial
Group, Stark & Marsh, Standard Shaunavon, and Roderick Thienes.