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1972 Toronto Godspell Production Remembered as Launchpad for Comedy Stars

opinion-review · 2026-08-01

The New York Times recently published a retrospective on a groundbreaking 1972 production of Godspell, staged in Toronto. Highlighting its significance in Canadian comedic history, the article revisits the ensemble cast, which included future stars like Martin Short, Gilda Radner, and Eugene Levy. The September 17, 2026 piece, titled "You Had to Be There," underscores how this production played a crucial role in shaping contemporary North American comedy and musical theater. It marks an early moment in the careers of these performers, paving the way for their later successes and contributions to the entertainment industry.

Key facts

  • A 1972 Toronto production of Godspell is the subject of a New York Times review
  • The New York Times review was published on September 17, 2026
  • The review is titled You Had to Be There
  • The production was described as a Rosetta stone of funny people
  • The cast featured then-unknowns Martin Short, Gilda Radner, Eugene Levy, Andrea Martin, Dave Thomas, Victor Garber and Paul Shaffer
  • The production took place in Toronto, Canada
  • The production is dated to 1972
  • The New York Times is the source publication of the review

Entities

Artists

  • Martin Short
  • Gilda Radner
  • Eugene Levy
  • Andrea Martin
  • Dave Thomas
  • Victor Garber
  • Paul Shaffer
  • Nick Davis
  • Lorne Michaels

Institutions

  • The New York Times
  • Film Forum
  • Second City Television
  • NBC

Locations

  • Toronto
  • Canada
  • United States

Sources