‘Godspell’ at Bergfeld Park in Tyler on June 26

The musical "Godspell," written by Stephen Schwartz and a book by John-Michael Tebelak, has been a beloved musical ever since it opened off Broadway on May 17, 1971.  "Day by Day," one of the most recognizable songs in the musical, reached No. 13 on the Billboard pop singles chart in the summer of 1972.

Based on the Gospel according to St. Matthew, a small group helps Jesus Christ tell different parables by using a wide variety of storytelling techniques and doses of humor. Songs ranging from pop to vaudeville tell the story of Jesus’s life and His messages of kindness, tolerance and love.

Now East Texas has a chance to see this inspiring musical for free at Bergfeld Park in Tyler on Saturday, June 26. Presented by Pollard Theater Center, "Godspell" will also be staged on June 27 at 7:30 p.m. and June 28 at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. at the Founders’ Center on Pollard's campus.

The musical did actually make it to Broadway in 2011.