Film Review: You Had to Be There

There was a rare confluence of comedy talent in Toronto in the 1970s. The musical Godspell was so successful that companies were being formed in cities around the world.

Toronto was one of these lucky cities. The auditions drew in many young, struggling actors, who would later go on to long and successful performing careers: Martin Short, Eugene Levy, Andrea Martin, Victor Garber, Gilda Radner, Paul Schaffer, and many others.

You Had to Be There (full title: You Had To Be There: How the Toronto Godspell Ignited the Comedy Revolution, Spread Love & Overalls, and Created a Community That Changed the World ) recalls that rare time through interviews with many of those performers, and with others involved in the production such as composer Stephen Schwartz.

This “comedy incubator,” as one of the interview subjects calls it, was exactly that: it nurtured the incipient talents of each performer, who in turn supported each other. The interviewees share stories about this priceless experience, and how it shaped the rest of their careers. Many went on to comedy careers in SCTV and SNL, while others found their callings in stage, television and film work.

The documentary culminates with a reunion, where the memories flow, Godspell songs are sung, and Martin Short holds forth with some hilarious impersonations and jokes.  A great film for theatre and comedy fans, and just anyone needing some belly laughs.

Directed by Nick Davis

The film will screen again on Feb 7 and 10

The 41st Santa Barbara International Film Festival will take place February 4-14, 2026. Official events including screenings, filmmaker Q&As, industry panels and celebrity tributes will be held throughout the city, including at the historic Arlington Theatre and the new McHurley Film Center. Passes for the 2026 Festival are on sale now at sbiff.org.