Don Giller

The common thread in this upcoming SCTV comp is the Toronto production of "Godspell." @PaulShaffer, @Realeugenelevy, @iamandreamartin, Martin, and @TheDaveThomas (who joined later) all talk about what Martin calls the most formative time of his life.

In his book, Martin is specific with dates. March 25, 1972, was his 1st callback, and it as on that day when he first met Paul playing piano for both his then-girlfriend Ginny and another friend Avril. Avril got in the cast, Ginny didn't.

Paul was then asked to become the ensemble's music director. In the compilation, Martin claims July 4 as the date they met, but March 25 is more credible, especially since the production premiered on June 1.

Victor Garber, one of the first cast, played Jesus. During that summer he left the cast to play his role in the film, and, first, Don Scardino switched roles to replace him, and when Don left, the role of Jesus went to Eugene.

Much of this is is explored by Paul, Eugene, Andrea, Martin, and Dave in the collection, with much love bestowed onto Gilda, also in the original cast. It's a fascinating history that deserves far more attention.