The Root Beer Lady
Written and Performed by Kim Schultz
Originally directed by Addie Gorlin-Han
Remounted by Jess Yates
July 8–July 26, 2026
Kim Schultz returns to the History Theatre stage in her captivating one-woman play, "The Root Beer Lady." Schultz tells 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. Molter 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. Back by popular demand, Dorothy’s story will delight all, young and old.
Reviews
- Beautifully captures the inspiring life and personality of Dorothy Molter (Cherry and Spoon, 2/3/25)
- Minnesotans love their Root Beer Lady (Stages of MN, 1/30/25)
- Root Beer Lady a captivating portrait of a woman of the wilderness (Pioneer Press, 1/26/25)
- Root Beer Lady will leave you impressed by the extraordinary gumption and grit of Dorothy Molter (Talkin' Broadway, 1/28/25)
- The story of Dorothy Molter (KSTP-TV, 2/20/25)
- Lunch with Friends: guest Kim Schultz (Friends of the Boundary Waters, 1/29/25)
- Experience Schultz animate this quintessential Minnesota character (Minnesota Star Tribune)
Performance Calendar
Ticket pricing
For more information, visit Ticket Information.
- Adults/Seniors: $25-65
- Students: $15
- Balcony Seating: There are 15 steps to balcony seating. No elevator is available. If this is a concern for you or your party, please contact the box office at 651-292-4323.
BWCA Photo Album
Thanks to those submitting photos and sharing their experiences with the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness (BWCAW).
To view our photo albums, click the links below. Enjoy!
Opens July 8!
The show length is 90 minutes with no intermission.
Cast
Dorothy Molter: Kim Schultz*
Creative team
Playwright: Kim Schultz*
Director: Jess Yates
Original Direction: Addie Gorlin-Han
Scenic Designer: Chelsea M Warren#
Props Designer: Abbee Warmboe
Costume Designer: Sarah Bahr#
Lighting Designer: Chris Johnson
Sound Designer and Composer: Katharine Horowitz
Recorded Music: Joe Cruz
Video Designer: Leslie Ritenour
Technical Director: Gunther Gullickson
Master Electrician: Nick Walberg
Costume Assistant: Meghan Kent
* Member AEA
# Member USA 829