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.

“…a warm, enjoyable love letter to the Boundary Waters.”  – Pioneer Press

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Afterthoughts – July 12

Get closer to the story on stage with these lively post-show talkback after every Sunday matinee. Free for ticketed patrons. Topics are subject to change.

Sunday, July 12

  • Jess Edberg, Executive Director, The Dorothy Molter Museum

Ticket pricing

For more information, visit Ticket Information

  • Adults/Seniors: $25-55
  • 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. 

Playbill

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!

Performance Calendar

The Root Beer Lady performance dates and times
Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
7/8 7:30pm O 7/9 7:30pm 7/10 7:30pm 7/11 7:30pm 7/12 2pm
7/15 2pm 7/16 7:30pm 7/17 7:30pm 7/18 2pm 7/19 2pm
7/23 10am 7/24 7:30pm 7/25 2pm OC 7/26 2pm OC

O: Opening night   OC: Open Captioned

Playing now through July 26!

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The show length is 85 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
Assistant Lighting Designer: Nick Fetting

* Member AEA
# Member USA 829