Tickets $10/$9
Fri Nov 13 6:30pm in Eppes Auditorium
Sat Nov 14, 6:30pm & Sun Nov 15, 2:15pm – Both in King 4K Screening Room
In 1972, a Toronto production of Godspell brought together an astonishing collection of young talent: Martin Short, Eugene Levy, Gilda Radner, Andrea Martin, Victor Garber, Dave Thomas, Jayne Eastwood, and musical director Paul Shaffer. Before they became household names, they were finding their voices, forming friendships, and helping spark a comedy revolution. Directed by Nick Davis and executive produced by Judd Apatow, You Had to Be There captures this extraordinary moment through lively interviews, archival material, animation, and a reunion filled with music, laughter, and memories.
The film’s remarkable lineup includes commentators Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mike Myers, Dan Aykroyd, Janeane Garofalo, Heidi Gardner, Gary Gulman, James Austin Johnson, and comedy historian Kliph Nesteroff, alongside Godspellcomposer Stephen Schwartz, director Don Scardino, and cast members Avril Chown, Valda Aviks, and Rudy Webb. Archival appearances by Gilda Radner, John Candy, and Catherine O’Hara add to this celebration of a generation whose influence would reach SCTV, Saturday Night Live, Broadway, and beyond. Funny, nostalgic, and moving, this documentary explores the friendships and creative freedom that helped turn an unlikely theatrical company into entertainment history.
2026 theatrical release • Documentary • Directed by Nick Davis
Runtime: 98 minutes (1 hour, 38 minutes) • Rating: Unrated.
Rotten Tomatoes: 94% positive critics’ reviews, based on 36 reviews, as checked October 19, 2026.
What critics are saying:
- “Exuberant and essential.” — Owen Gleiberman, Variety.
-
“Comes closest to fulfilling comedy fans’ ultimate time-machine fantasy.” — Donald Liebenson, RogerEbert.com(4/4 stars).