BT-11. You Had to Be There: How the Toronto Godspell Ignited the Comedy Revolution, Spread Love & Overalls, and Created a Community That Changed the World (in a Canadian Kind of Way)

US, Feature Documentary, 2025, 98 min

On June 1, 1972, a scrappy production of Godspell opened at Toronto’s Royal Alexandra Theatre and accidentally launched a comedy supernova. What looked like a bunch of singing, overall-clad hippies retelling the Gospel of Matthew turned out to be a talent incubator of remarkable proportions. During its 14-month run, the cast included future comedy royalty: Martin Short, Eugene Levy, Gilda Radner, Andrea Martin, Dave Thomas, Jayne Eastwood, Victor Garber, and musical director Paul Shaffer. Yes, that many legends really were in one show. Lightning struck. Repeatedly. The production’s loose, improvisational vibe helped shape the sensibility that would later define Saturday Night Live, SCTV, and a generation of film and TV comedy. Nick Davis’ documentary captures the magic through lively interviews and playful recreations (since, tragically, no one in 1972 thought to film everything on a smartphone). You Had to Be There brings this special time back into the present with an irrepressible sense of joy. Also featuring Catherine O’Hara, John Candy, Mike Myers, Dan Akroyd, and Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Directed by Nick Davis

Colorado Premiere