The Root Beer Lady | Dorothy Molter Play | Ely, MN

October 7, 2026 – 7PM
Vermilion Fine Arts Theater
1900 E Camp St, Ely, MN

We are proud to present a touring production of THE ROOT BEER LADY, coming soon to Ely, MN. Written by Kim Schultz, THE ROOT BEER LADY 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. Kim Schultz is a nationally and internationally acclaimed writer, actor, and solo show artist working across mediums. THE ROOT BEER LADY marks Kim’s third solo show. The tour is produced by Bourgoin Productions.