By Keith Tomasek, Sept.8, 2024
Victor Garber, who played the designer of the ill-fated ship in James Cameron’s “Titanic,” a TV dad to Jennifer Garner on “Alias,” is most famous for his film and TV roles.
But did you know that Garber is a critically acclaimed stage performer?
A recipient of Tony nominations for his work on stage in “Damn Yankees,” “Lend Me a Tenor,” “Deathtrap,” and “Little Me,” Garber additionally performed in the original off-Broadway production of Stephen Sondheim’s “Assassins,” as well as in the Tony Award-winning play “Art.”
Garber, who attended Ryerson Elementary School and London Central Secondary School, began acting at the age of nine.
The Forest City Film Festival Honours Victor Garber, October 25-27
His career began at the Grand Theatre in his hometown of London, Ontario where the Forest City Film Festival welcomes Garber back, October 25-27, with a weekend of unforgettable experiences including a spectacular celebration at the inaugural Forest City Film Festival Lifetime Achievement awards.
Fans will have the unique opportunity to participate in exclusive Q&As and film screenings with Garber, where he will discuss his films, including “Titanic,” “Legally Blonde,” and “Godspell.”
Although best known for his film and TV roles, Garber’s stage work stretches back to productions of “Sweeney Todd,” “Noises Off” and “Godspell.”
In May of 1972, Garber starred in the Canadian stage production of “Godspell.”
The legendary production featured Andrea Martin, Eugene Levy, Martin Short, Jayne Eastwood and Gilda Radner with musical director Paul Shaffer.
American musical theatre legend Stephen Schwartz wrote “Godspell” at 23 and was very active in the Toronto production. Schwartz is credited with asking Paul Shaffer to be the musical director, thus launching Shaffer’s career.
As well as Garber, Radner, Short and Shaffer, the Toronto production of “Godspell” launched the careers of Eugene Levy, Andrea Martin, Dave Thomas, and Howard Shore, who played saxophone in the production and went on to win three Academy Awards for composing the scores on The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Judd Apatow to Produce Godspell Documentary
Judd Apatow is so inspired by the Toronto production of Godspell, one of the most significant musical theatre productions of our time, that he’s producing a feature length documentary about the stage production.
“As a bona fide comedy nerd,” said Apatow in a statement, “I’ve long wondered what exactly brought that amazing group of people together to produce not just a fantastic theatrical event, but what came after: Second City Toronto, SCTV, and of course Saturday Night Live – not to mention a host of movies and TV from “Splash” to “The Three Amigos” to “Schitt’s Creek” and “Only Murders in the Building.” None of that would have happened in the way that it did without the Toronto ‘Godspell.’”
The song “Day by Day” from the 1971 Off-Broadway cast recording of “Godspell” became a hit, reaching number 7 on Canada’s RPM top singles and peaking at number 13 in the US on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Garber left the Toronto stage production to star in the filmed version of “Godspell,” which the Forest City Film Festival is screening on Sunday, Oct. 27, at 2:15pm. Garber will be on hand to make a special introduction.
The film “Godspell” was unlike other popular adaptations of musical theatre hitting the big screens back then.
In the 1950s and 1960s, adapting popular Broadway musicals to film was a well-established practice, with hits like “West Side Story” (1961) and “The Sound of Music” (1965) doing brisk business at the box office.
Unlike those resplendent, big-budget musical adaptations, including “Fiddler on the Roof” (1971) directed by Norman Jewison, “Godspell” embraced and popularized a countercultural and playful approach to the source material.
Reviews from Roger Ebert and Vincent Canby
Film critic Roger Ebert loved the film and remarked on it’s casting:
“What’s nice about the casting–which gives us all new faces–is that the characters don’t look like professional stage youths. Remember “West Side Story,” where all the allegedly teenage dancers looked like hardened theatrical professionals in greaser wigs?
“Godspell’s” cast is not only young but is allowed to look like a collection of individuals.”
The New York Times’ Vincent Canby also loved the film and singled out Garber’s thrilling work in this passage of his review:
“Jesus is not simply the androgynous circus clown He looks to be.
“As played by Victor Garber, He’s a tireless hoofer and a most engaging minstrel man. One of the finest production numbers I’ve seen in years is the exuberant and ironic “All for the Best,” which Jesus and John the Baptist (David Haskell) sing and dance all over New York, highlighted by a marvelous soft-shoe done in front of the Bulova Watch sign overlooking Times Square.”
The film became the benchmark for the early 1970s trend of reinterpreting religious stories in a youthful style. Jewison followed suit with his 1973 film adaptation of “Jesus Christ Superstar,” which is similar in spirit to “Godspell.”
Part rock-and-roll sermon, part acid trip, the film “Godspell” is a surreal cinematic experience that must be seen to be believed.
Don’t miss your chance to attend the screening of “Godspell” with Victor Garber, who will be returning to his hometown this October for a special weekend of events hosted by the Forest City Film Festival Festival.
Event Highlights:
Friday, October 25
LEGALLY BLONDE + Special Q&A with Victor Garber
6:30 PM, Wolf Performance Hall
Kick off the festival with a screening of the beloved “Legally Blonde,” followed by an exclusive Q&A session with Victor Garber. Dive into behind-the-scenes stories and gain unique insights into Garber’s role in this classic film.
Saturday, October 26
Celebrating Southwestern Ontario Stars – Award Reception
6:00 PM, Hilton Doubletree Ballroom
Join the Forest City Film Festival for a prestigious gala celebrating the cinematic achievements of Southwestern Ontario. The highlight of the evening will be the presentation of the inaugural Lifetime Achievement in Entertainment Award to Victor Garber, honoring his exceptional contributions to the film industry and his enduring connection to the region.
Saturday, October 26
TITANIC + Special Q&A with Victor Garber
8:30 PM, Wolf Performance Hall
Experience “Titanic” once more on the big screen, followed by a special Q&A with Victor Garber.
Sunday, October 27
Godspell + Special intro from Victor Garber
2:15 PM, Wolf Performance Hall
DETAILS DETAILS
Forest City Film Festival Lifetime Achievement Award Events
Oct. 25 – 27
Book Online: https://fcff.ca/lifetime-achievement-award/
Call the box office: 226-777-7055
What did you think?
You May Also Like
How a Tip Jar Launched Free Shakespeare at Bard on the Beach
St. Marys Community Players Cabaret
Raoul Bhaneja in Disgraced aka Hamlet for a 40 year old, Indo-American actor
The Lion in Winter – Celebrity is America’s Royalty