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How Toronto's Godspell Ignited Modern Comedy
23 Apr
Summary
- The 1972 Toronto Godspell production launched many comedy legends.
- A new documentary explores its impact on modern comedy.
- Greenwich Entertainment acquired North American distribution rights.
The 1972 Toronto production of the musical Godspell served as a pivotal moment, launching the careers of numerous entertainment icons including Gilda Radner, Eugene Levy, and Martin Short. A new documentary, "You Had To Be There: How The Toronto Godspell Ignited The Comedy Revolution...", directed by Nick Davis, delves into this formative period.
The film, executive produced by Judd Apatow, explores how this production became the bedrock for modern comedy, impacting shows such as Saturday Night Live and SCTV. Greenwich Entertainment has announced its acquisition of North American distribution rights, with a nationwide theatrical release scheduled for September.
"You Had To Be There" features interviews with original cast members and other notable figures like Dan Aykroyd and Mike Myers. Director Nick Davis describes the 1972 Godspell as "the big bang of modern comedy," a joyful moment for future legends. Despite the lack of archival footage, the legend of the production has grown, with the documentary aiming to capture its exhilarating spirit.
Judd Apatow emphasized the production's significance, stating that much of what followed in comedy, including Second City Toronto, SCTV, and Saturday Night Live, would not have occurred in the same way without the Toronto Godspell. The documentary premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival last September.
