Stettler Showcase will open its 2026-27 season in October with a production combining humour, music and one man’s experience with cancer.

Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me But Banjos Saved My Life, created by Keith Alessi and directed by Erika Conway, tells the true story of Alessi’s journey from the corporate world to the stage following a life-threatening cancer diagnosis.

Alessi, a former CEO, left the corporate world and turned to a long-held passion for playing the banjo. The production uses storytelling, humour and music to explore illness, recovery, finding purpose and the role music played in his life.

The show has also developed a fundraising component in the communities where it is performed.

Since the production began touring, Alessi has donated 100 per cent of his portion of ticket sales to cancer-related organizations, theatre charities and artist development initiatives.

For the Stettler performances, proceeds will help support performances at local schools, local breast cancer survivors and the Stettler Hospice Society.

“We are thrilled to kick off our season with an uplifting night of storytelling and grassroots music,” said Bonnie Ireland, vice-president of Stettler Showcase. “You’ll laugh, cry, and walk away feeling a little more hopeful for the world. And knowing that this performance is also giving back right here in our community makes it an especially meaningful way to begin our season.”

Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me But Banjos Saved My Life has toured across Canada and the United States, including an Off-Broadway run in New York and appearances at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

The award-winning production has also played to sold-out audiences during its touring history.

Performances will be held Oct. 16 and 18 at the Stettler Performing Arts Centre.

Tickets are $40 for adults and $25 for students and are available at stettlershowcase.com.

Season tickets are available until Oct. 17.