Greenwich Entertainment Takes Over ‘You Had To Be There,’ Featuring the Toronto Production of ‘Godspell’ That Helped Launch Gilda Radner, Eugene Levy, Martin Short, and Others

New Documentary Explores the Impact of Toronto’s 1972 "Godspell" on Comedy

A new documentary, You Had To Be There: How The Toronto Godspell Ignited The Comedy Revolution, directed by Nick Davis, delves into the influential Toronto production of Godspell, which debuted in 1972 with many performers who would later become household names. The show featured talents such as Gilda Radner, Eugene Levy, Martin Short, Andrea Martin, Victor Garber, and Paul Shaffer, all of whom had their careers launched by this groundbreaking musical.

Greenwich Entertainment has announced it will distribute the documentary across North America, with a theatrical release scheduled for September. The film examines the origins of the Toronto Godspell and its lasting influence on modern comedy, which includes landmark programs like Saturday Night Live and SCTV.

Executive produced by renowned comedian Judd Apatow, the documentary includes interviews with original cast members, such as Jayne Eastwood and Valda Aviks, alongside notable figures in comedy including Dan Aykroyd, Mike Myers, Catherine O’Hara, John Candy, Janeane Garofalo, and Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Davis noted that the film "traces how a cast of virtual unknowns in a rock musical based on the life of Jesus lit the spark of a cultural explosion whose effects are still being felt today." Historically significant among theater and comedy aficionados, this documentary is the first feature-length film dedicated to the Toronto production of Godspell. The original cast included future stars like Martin Short and Eugene Levy, and Victor Garber, who played Jesus, made notable appearances in later adaptations.

In addition to his role as director, Davis co-wrote the film with Jane Mendelsohn. Reflecting on the production’s impact, he stated, “I’ve always thought of the 1972 Toronto Godspell as the big bang of modern comedy… it was genuinely thrilling to talk to the people who were there and try to capture that sense of exhilaration.”

Apatow, known for his work on comedy documentaries, expressed his fascination with the innovative spirit of the original Godspell cast. “None of that would have happened in the way that it did without the Toronto Godspell,” he remarked.

Produced by Series of Dreams in partnership with CBC, XRM Media, and Open Door Co., the film features a team of distinguished producers, including Nick Davis, Bonnie Comley, and Stewart Lane, with executive producers such as Judd Apatow and others contributing to the project.

The acquisition of the documentary’s distribution rights was handled by Andy Bohn of Greenwich, with UTA Independent and CAA representing the filmmakers.

Davis summarized the essence of the documentary, stating, “It’s incredible because when you think about it, it’s like all these comic actors — on March 25th, 1972, it happens for them.” Victor Garber, reflecting on the original production, added, “This moment in time, for all of us who are still living, is just an extraordinary affirmation.”

As interest builds around You Had To Be There, audiences can anticipate a heartfelt exploration of a pivotal moment in comedic history.