Lancers taking a role in Christmas at the Cathedral

Looking for a new opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit this year? Christmas at the Cathedral, a musical production in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is a great way to learn more about Jesus and the nativity. This year's production, "The Path of Peace," showcases the Bible story of Elizabeth and Zechariah with lighting from Designer and Technical Director James Hovland ‘09 and acting by Director of Theatre Andrew Henrickson and Mount Marty student Lillian Sanchez '28. 

In 2014, Henrickson was invited to play a shepherd in the Christmas at the Cathedral production, and he "embraced the opportunity." Since then, he has been part of five Christmas at the Cathedral productions in various roles. This year, Henrickson will serve on the creative team for the second time and play the role of Zechariah.

"There's no place like the cathedral, and it's great that Mount Marty is represented in this diocese," Henrickson said. "It's a beautiful concert in a beautiful space with a beautiful story that points you to the truth."

Three years ago, the show needed a spotlight operator, and that was how Hovland joined the project. "It's just like our Vespers concert at Mount Marty, but on a grander scale. The atmosphere, community and program are just phenomenal. So, I enjoy going back to do it." For the 2025 performance, Hovland will be the show's lighting designer. 

Recently, Henrickson was asked whether he knew anyone willing to play the role of Mary in this year's production. After some thought, he knew Sanchez would be perfect. Sanchez said that after discussing the opportunity with her, Henrickson asked if she would say yes to the project; she answered, "Well, that's what Mary said!" Sanchez added that she was excited to join the Christmas at the Cathedral project and portray such a monumental person in the Catholic faith. "It is special for me to be asked to portray the most important woman in our Catholic faith. Mary is the role model for all women and mothers, and it is a privilege to be given this responsibility to honor her part in salvation history."

See the 29th annual Christmas at the Cathedral production Dec. 18-21 at the Cathedral of St. Joseph. The performance will feature a 60-member choir, a full symphony orchestra, music from a newly installed, handmade pipe organ, and recording artists Carlos Santiago, a tenor, and Sarah Bailey, a soprano. For more information on show times and tickets, click here. 

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About Mount Marty University

Founded in 1936 by the Sisters of Sacred Heart Monastery, Mount Marty University is South Dakota's only Catholic, Benedictine institution of higher education. Located along the bluffs of the Missouri River in Yankton, with additional locations in Watertown and Sioux Falls, Mount Marty offers undergraduate and graduate degrees focusing on student and alumni success in high-demand fields such as health sciences, education, criminal justice, business, accounting, recreation management, and more. A community of learners in the Benedictine tradition, Mount Marty emphasizes academic excellence and develops well-rounded students with intellectual competence, professional and personal skills and moral, spiritual and social values. To learn more, visit mountmarty.edu.