A plethora of legendary comedies, both from the past and present, trace their origins to a singular theatrical production. Series such as Only Murders in the Building, Schitt’s Creek, SCTV, and Saturday Night Live are linked to a 1972 Toronto staging of Godspell, showcasing talents who were then relatively unknown, including Martin Short, Eugene Levy, Gilda Radner, Victor Garber, Andrea Martin, Dave Thomas, Jayne Eastwood, and Paul Shaffer.

Surprisingly, throughout its celebrated and contentious 14-month run, there is no recorded documentation of the production. Now, 53 years later, filmmaker Nick Davis aims to explore this impactful moment with the aptly named 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).

For ease, we’ll refer to the film as You Had to Be There. This documentary brims with interviews from comedy icons, intriguing stories, and playful insights, making it a gem for enthusiasts of comedy.

You Had to Be There showcases remarkable challenges and discussions.

In light of the absence of footage from the production, Davis adopts a dual approach to lead audiences through nostalgia with comedy greats. He interviews many from the original cast, including Short, Levy, Thomas, Garber, Martin, Eastwood, Shaffer, Avril Chown, Don Scardino, Valda Aviks, and Rudy Webb.

Now in their 70s, these artists bring a refreshing honesty to the documentary, reminiscing about a period when everything seemed both possible and slightly daunting. Davis’ interviews transport us to 1972 Toronto, a place where conservative norms were challenged by the irreverent Godspell, a musical recounting the story of Jesus Christ via parables and playful theatrics.

Short, who recounted much of this history in his memoir, I Must Say: My Life as a Humble Comedy Legend, is a prominent interviewee, in part due to his commitment to preserving his legacy. Nevertheless, You Had to Be There truly excels when it weaves through the interviews, crafting the feeling of being at a gathering with some of the most fascinating people, fondly recalling an occasion we weren’t able to attend. It’s both magical and bittersweet, particularly as they remember those who have passed, like Gilda Radner.

You Had to Be There is crafted by and aimed at comedy enthusiasts, so Davis doesn’t devote additional time to explaining who his subjects are or their hardships, assuming viewers are familiar with the fundamentals.

Radner’s companions fondly recall her, recognizing her challenges while emphasizing her brilliance. For deeper insights into Radner’s experiences, Martin’s book is recommended, given their close friendship over the years.

To offer a wider historical context, Davis features interviews with well-known figures who were influenced by these trailblazers, including Lin-Manuel Miranda, Janeane Garofalo, Heidi Garner, and Mike Myers. This inclusion adds star power without interrupting the flow of the narrative.

You Had to Be There utilizes animation to bridge gaps.

With scarce footage from the Toronto ensemble, Davis employs animation for reenactments, steering clear of distractions from actors mimicking contemporary comedy figures. The animation style, reminiscent of ’70s cartoons such as Schoolhouse Rock! and Scooby-Doo, connects back to the era’s ethos of free love, optimism, and creativity.

Artists recreate costumes from the 1972 Godspell and illustrate the youthful theater cast, amplifying the playful tone of the discussions. For instance, a story about Levy’s chest hair becoming a concern for producers is humorously depicted through animation, showcasing Toronto’s conservative atmosphere in 1972.

You Had to Be There also addresses serious themes.

In reflecting on this production and five decades in entertainment, not every story is amusing. Davis features actress/singer Avril Chown, who shares a distressing account of abuse following the conclusion of Godspell. Her narrative adds depth, balancing the lighter showbiz tales, acknowledging that entertainers can elicit both laughter and tears.

Ultimately, You Had to Be There delivers abundant laughter and much more. It’s not just a commemoration of comedians or Godspell.