You Had to Be There: How the Toronto Godspell Ignited the Comedy Revolution...
Martin Short, Eugene Levy, Gilda Radner, Victor Garber, Paul Shaffer, and other entertainment icons got their start in a 1972 Toronto production of the musical Godspell. Featuring interviews with the surviving cast members, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mike Myers, and more, the film recounts a pivotal moment in comedy history, in hilarious, moving, and inspiring detail. Executive produced by Judd Apatow.
Directed by Nick Davis · Documentary · Comedy · 98 min · 2026
Trailer
Director
Nick Davis
Studio
Open Door Co. / XRM Media
Release
2026-09-18
Runtime
98 min
Genres
Documentary, Comedy
Cast & Characters
Self / Jeffrey
Martin Short
Self / Herb / Jesus
Eugene Levy
Self / Jesus
Victor Garber
Self / Robin
Andrea Martin
Self / Sonia
Jayne Eastwood
Self / Peggy
Valda Aviks
Did You Know?
Critical Assessment
You Had to Be There: How the Toronto Godspell Ignited the Comedy Revolution... is newly added and doesn't yet have enough aggregated ratings data to summarize.
Not enough independent critic/audience score breakdown available.
Ratings as of September 10, 2026
AI Verdict
AI-generatedToo early for a meaningful verdict — check back as ratings data comes in via the site's daily refresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is You Had to Be There: How the Toronto Godspell Ignited the Comedy Revolution... good? What are critics saying?+
You Had to Be There: How the Toronto Godspell Ignited the Comedy Revolution... is newly added and doesn't yet have enough aggregated ratings data to summarize.
How long is You Had to Be There: How the Toronto Godspell Ignited the Comedy Revolution...?+
You Had to Be There: How the Toronto Godspell Ignited the Comedy Revolution... has a runtime of 98 min.
Who directed You Had to Be There: How the Toronto Godspell Ignited the Comedy Revolution...?+
You Had to Be There: How the Toronto Godspell Ignited the Comedy Revolution... was directed by Nick Davis.
Fan & Critic Buzz
The reaction is largely positive, with some reviewers expressing enthusiasm for the movie's faithfulness to the original "Godspell" production. The comments highlight the show's nostalgic value and the joy it brings to audiences who did their own productions or have fond memories of watching the play. The tone is generally celebratory and encouraging.
From the trailer's comments
I got to see this movie at the Milwaukee Film Festival in April...SCTV fans: This is a must-see!!
@dearmrfantasy · 20 likesI've always been fascinated by the unlikely miracle that this show would launch the careers of SO MANY amazing talents. Having done a rinky-dink staging of Godspell myself back in college, though, I can understand how the play itself would be a catalyst - it's a strange, goofy, h…
@shawnkelly1531 · 12 likesI adore the '70s-style cartoon interludes! Such a perfect interpretation of the cast and mood.
@stannieholt8766 · 11 likesJesus, that must’ve been a hell of a ride. Can’t wait to see this.
@steves8815 · 3 likesMany Canadian actors have done Godspell. I did it 30 years ago!
@andyanderson3628 · 0 likesI love this. My friends and I did this production in 2009. I can say one of the most joyful times of my life on stage
@NeilHamaty · 0 likesI saw it! Such a fantastic show!
@suzannecourtney766 · 2 likesI have got to see this.
@chambersstevens3135 · 2 likes
