The Root Beer Lady
Written and performed by Kim Schultz
Directed by Addie Gorlin-Han
January 28–February 19, 2023
1986. The story of the indomitable Dorothy Molter, the last legal non-indigenous resident of the Boundary Waters. The story reflects the beauty and hardships of Molter’s solitary yet satisfying life beginning in 1934. The play, funny and passionate, explores her independence, fortitude, and love of nature. and pushes back against the premise that her time in the North Woods made her the “Loneliest Woman in America,” as the Saturday Evening Post claimed in 1952. Dorothy Molter’s story will delight all, young and old.
The reviews are in!
- The Root Beer Lady blazes her own trail at History Theatre (Rob Dunkelberger, thestagesofmn.com, 1/28/23)
- A simple story, but beautifully told (Jill Schafer, cherryandspoon.com, 1/29/23)
- 'Root Beer Lady' a love letter to Boundary Waters (Rob Hubbard, Pioneer Press, 1/30/23)
- Enjoy Northern Minnesota...this show is for you (lifeinrevue.blogspot.com)
- Find inspiration in Dorothy's story to live life your own way (twincitiesstages.com)
- Schultz imbues Dorothy with humor, spunk, generous spirit (Arthur Dorman, talkinbroadway.com, 2/2/23)
- Schultz brings the story to life in a beautiful and memorable way (Mary Aalgaard, playoffthepage.com, 2/6/23)
Learn more about the play
- Sweet treat: Play explores life of Boundary Waters' 'Root Beer Lady' (Jacob Aloi, MPR News, 1/26/23)
- History Theatre shines spotlight on trailblazing 'Root Beer Lady' (Chris Hewitt, Star Tribune, 1/25/23)
- Some Obscure, Some Beloved (Jearlyn Steele, WCCO, 1/30/23)
- Watch interview with playwright and performer Kim Schultz
- Insider look at 'The Root Beer Lady' with Kim and Addie (Friends of the Boundary Waters, 2/1/23)
Tickets selling FAST!
Best Available
- Wednesday, Feb 15, 7:30pm (Added Show!)
- Thursday, Feb 9 and Feb 16, 7:30pm
- Friday, Feb 10 and Feb 17, 7:30pm
- Saturday, Feb 18, 7:30pm
Limited Available
- Saturday, Feb 11, 7:30pm
"The Root Beer Lady" BWCA photo album
Thank you for the wonderful submissions of photos and memories of the Dorothy Molter and the BWCA. Click the link below to view the photo album. Enjoy!