You have to see You Had to Be There.
Directed by Nick Davis, You Had to Be There is a delicious documentary that speaks of the monumental moment that was the 1972 production of Godspell in Toronto. As Stephen Schwartz’ first play, this tale of the life of Jesus starred a then-unknown cast of Martin Short, Eugene Levy, Gilda Radner, Victor Garber, Andrea Martin, Dave Thomas and even included Paul Shaffer as the play’s musical director. This single production launched the careers of many future stars and ignited a comedy revolution that led to development of bedrock series such as Saturday Night Live, SCTV and Schitt’s Creek.
In You Had to Be There, Davis recognizes one of the more special moments in Toronto’s arts community. The 1972 production of Godspell was more than simply another play in the downtown core. It was a cultural moment, driven by an incredible cast that truly revolutionized Canadian comedy over the next two decades. Featuring delightful interviews and voiceover animation, Davis tries to bring the viewer back in time to experience the vibrancy of an era gone by. We’re told of parties and romance, lifelong friendships and cultural relevance. It’s a whimsical experience to behold and you cannot help but become swept up within it.
Even so, Davis never attempts to recreate the magic that happened onstage in 1972. He doesn’t have to. There’s such incredible chemistry and admiration amongst this cast that it positively spills off of the screen. With the exception of a few moments that take us into more serious (and darker) corners of the experience, every interviewee is fueled by positivity. Every single person who participated in Toronto’s Godspell cannot help but ooze gratitude for the chance to work with such an incredible team.
And it goes without saying that this play was a murderer’s row of talent. From Short to Garber to Levy to Radner and more, the line-up is veritable who’s who of comedy legends.
Yet, somehow, everyone speaks of the experience without ego. As the lead of the initial run, Garber gushes over working with Levy and Shaffer. Short regales us with stories of the wonder that was Gilda Radner. Andrea Martin and Dave Thomas talk about their co-stars as if they were family.
Because, quite frankly, they are.
By the end, Davis ensures to capture the endless chemistry between his subjects by simply putting them in the room together. Almost instantaneously, old friends recapture the frenetic energy that these men and women had together onstage over 50 years ago. There’s joy in simply being around each other. And, as a viewer, it’s infectious.
To be fair, that’s not to say that You Had to Be There is all sunshine and rainbows. Rather than simply shower us with joyful tales of mutual affection, Davis never shies away from more difficult topics. As we look back on the 70s, we are also told stories that break our hearts, ranging from backstage sexual assaults to the loss of Radner. They are honest in every moment, even if the overall tone of the film remains lighter.
As such, You Had to Be There feels like a time capsule. It both captures the chaos of an era while also becoming a historical record for some of Canada’s brightest stars. The love between these cast members as they show support for one another is staggering. They fight for one another and support one another in their darkest moments. Most importantly though, they understand that they were a part of something truly special. And, when they are finally come together, we can’t help but believe it as well.
You Had to Be There is available in theatres on Friday, October 2nd, 2026.
