Jayne Eastwood will participate in a live Q&A session this Sunday at The Playhouse Cinema in Hamilton following a screening of a new documentary. The film explores the 1972 Toronto production of the musical Godspell, which featured a cast of performers who later became major stars.
Details of the Godspell documentary screening
The documentary, titled 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), will screen at 3 p.m. Eastwood, who played the role of Sonia in the production, will appear after the film to discuss the experience.
The 1972 production is noted for its significant concentration of talent, including several performers who achieved fame on programs like SCTV and Saturday Night Live. Notable cast members included:
- Martin Short
- Eugene Levy
- Andrea Martin
- Gilda Radner
Other key figures in the production included Victor Garber as Jesus and musical director Paul Shaffer.
Why was this production so significant?
Eastwood described the casting process as being similar to an "American Idol" style event, noting that the group was selected from a pool of a thousand people. She stated that the cast members bonded quickly and felt they were part of something special.
According to Eastwood, the show's composer, Stephen Schwartz, remarked that the Toronto group was "the funniest cast of all the Godspells." The production was a successful run that preceded the international fame of many of its participants.
FAQ
Who is Jayne Eastwood?
Eastwood is a veteran performer with more than 150 credits in film, television, and animation, including roles in My Big Fat Greek Wedding and *Dawn of the Dead$.
What is the musical Godspell about?
It is a rock musical based on the Gospel of Matthew from the Bible, focusing on a joyful narrative during the final days of Jesus Christ.
