May 29-May 31

Written and Performed by Keith Alessi
Directed by Erika Conway

Gabriola Arts and Heritage Centre, 476 South Road
(In the heart of the Village, right by the Post Office)

85 minutes in length, plus an intermission (15 mins)
Talk Back to Follow

Keith Alessi shares his exceptional true story of leaving the world of corporate boardrooms behind to follow his long-delayed passion—playing the banjo!

When faced with a serious cancer battle, Keith’s musical pursuit took him on a journey that became the key to saving his life. Told through authentic storytelling, humor and music, Keith’s story is an uplifting tale of challenge, triumph, and the healing power of music and theatre.

A heartwarming, true story of transformation, this show has captivated audiences around the globe, with sold out runs across Canada, Off-Broadway in New York City, and at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland 3 years in a row. Tomatoes… is a one-person play that is a tour-de-force.

Keith recently celebrated his 10th year of being cancer-free. Learn more: www.tomatoestriedtokillme.com

Tickets available for purchase online HERE, or in person at the Gabriola Agi-Coop Winter Market on Feb 21, Feb 28, Mar 21 and at our booth at the Gabriola Island General Store’s Spring Equinox Fair on Mar 22. More Farmer’s Market dates will be added in April and May,

WHY WE CHOSE THIS AS OUR FIRST PLAY

We first crossed paths with Tomatoes… in 2018. It truly is one of the most impactful pieces of theatre we have seen. A story about healing, finding joy and looking through the windshield that continues to be a daily inspiration to us. Keith and Erika are a force for good.

PERFORMANCE DATES

• FRIDAY MAY 29 @ 7 PM

• SATURDAY MAY 30 @ 2 PM & 7 PM

• SUNDAY MAY 31 @ 2 PM

TICKET INFO

• Pricing: Pay What You Choose: $20, $30, or $40. ($40 includes reserved seating). You can also pre-purchase a beverage online when you order your tickets and have it waiting for you when you arrive at the theatre, or buy beverages at the theatre itself when you attend.

• Tickets are available to purchase online on our website (secure cc transactions) or at the Gabriola Agi-Hall Winter Market on February 21, Feb 28 and March 21 (Cash/MC/Visa/Debit), with more dates to be added in April and May. We will also be at the Spring Equinox Fair hosted by Gabriola Island General Store at Twin Beaches Mall on Mar 22.

• If cost is a barrier to you, please email us here to request a GIFT ticket, no questions asked, or book a GIFT ticket online here (just select GIFT ticket option). We want YOU to enjoy and benefit from the magic of theatre. We reserve 10% of seating for each performance to make available at no cost for those in the community who would benefit from a free ticket.

• Please email us at gabriolaislandfarmtheatre@gmail.com to arrange wheelchair seating, bubble seats, and any accessibility accommodations. We are happy to help and support.

• Any questions please email us at gabriolaislandfarmtheatre@gmail.com

WHAT AUDIENCES CAN EXPECT

• Performances take place at Gabriola Arts and Heritage Centre, 476 South Road right beside the Post Office.

• We will be transforming this little jewel of a space into an intimate theatre for this performance- with drapes, seating risers, stage lights, a sound system and more. Maximum venue capacity: 50.

• A friendly, welcoming, inclusive and positive environment.

• Performance length; 85 minutes plus intermission. Talkback to follow.

• Wheelchair accessible venue (seating and washrooms).

• Accessible parking (3 spots per performance) will be reserved in front of the venue for those with mobility challenges.

• Box Office and Concession opens 1 hour prior to the performance. We accept Cash, Debit, Visa, MC.

• Concession (wine, cider, beer, bubly, iced tea, water, coke zero and packaged snacks - chips, mints, and chocolate) open preshow and at intermission. Cash, Debit, Visa, MC accepted.

• Venue will open for seating 30 minutes prior to the performance.

• We respectfully request all audience members refrain from wearing scents to help protect vulnerable members of our community. A HEPA air filter will be in use at the venue, and the venue has high ceilings to aid air flow.

• We love dogs but kindly ask you to leave dogs at home (except service animals) for those with allergies. Your dog will love to hear all about the play when you get home.

• Tiered seating on risers for optimal sight lines, with the front row being the same level as the stage.

• Bubble seats are available for those who would benefit from more space around them during a performance. Bubble seats are either on an aisle, or have a seat-sized space between you and your seating neighbour.