TWEED & COMPANY Theatre is a registered charity, and is a creator and producer of Original Canadian Musical Theatre, as well as quality professional grassroots regional theatre. The company has been active since the fall of 2009, and has produced several large scale original Canadian musicals, as well as countless other Canadian productions. Tweed & Company is based in Hastings County, and owns and operates The Marble Arts Centre, as well as operating the Bancroft Village Playhouse, and the Tweed & Company Outdoor Stage.
Description
Everyone has a story. Your stories matter. Keith Alessi had a story. He was neither an actor nor a musician, and his journey to the stage was a highly improbable one. 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 took him on a journey that became the key to saving his life. Told through authentic storytelling, heartfelt humor and music, Keith’s story is an uplifting tale of challenge, triumph, and the healing power of the arts and music.
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 $1.4 Million Dollars (CAD) as of September 2026 for various charities including cancer organizations, music programs, community groups and artist funding and development.
The grassroots sound of the banjo lures you in and brings you back to a simpler time in life, as Keith takes you on the journey of his unique personal story about how music was the catalyst to ultimately saving his life. A heartwarming, true story of transformation, this show is like a homecoming, and has captivated audiences internationally.
Everyone has a story. What’s yours?
Venue Details
2026 Marble Arts Centre
13 Bridgewater RoadTweed, Ontario K0K 3J0
