Lost Nation Theater launches 35th anniversary season with ‘I Am My Own Wife’

March 29, 2024  |  By Waterbury Roundabout 

Stoph Scheer as Charlotte von Mahlsdorf in "I Am My Own Wife," at Lost Nation Theater in April. Photo by John R. Snell Photography

Montpelier’s Lost Nation Theater begins its 35th anniversary season with the play “I Am My Own Wife,”  on stage Thursdays through Sundays, April 4-21.

“I think she may well be the most singular, eccentric individual the Cold War ever birthed. (And believe me, I use the term "she" loosely.) Have I piqued your interest?”  So begins Doug Wright’s Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning play inspired by the life of Charlotte von Mahlsdorf.

Von Mahlsdorf (1928-2002) managed to survive Nazi Germany and the East German Communist regime living openly as a trans woman. Her story is mind-boggling, a bit mysterious, and replete with unanswered questions.

In one of their first encounters, author Doug Wright tells Charlotte, “It seems to me, you're an impossibility. You shouldn't even exist. I would love to write a play about you.”

In Wright’s play, a single actor plays 40 different characters – including the playwright – to tell Charlotte’s story. 

Stoph Scheer is one of the first openly trans and non-binary people to ever puppeteer in Hollywood and they will bring Charlotte to life in this production. 

“How wonderful to be back home at LNT – where I first began playing characters of different genders in shows like ‘The Mystery of Irma Vep.’ It’s full circle to return now as an openly trans woman and non-binary person for ‘I Am My Own Wife,’” Scheer said. “At a time when the rights and lives of trans people are being needlessly politicized and threatened by extremists in our own country, it's incredibly meaningful to explore historic queer hero Charlotte von Mahlsdorf’s life story.” 

Director Joanne Greenberg says the effort is magical. “In ‘I Am My Own Wife,’ Stoph will once again break new ground with finesse. Lucky me. Lucky us.”

Founding Artistic Director Kim Bent said Scheer is just one of a collection of Lost Nation alumni returning for this show including director Joanne Greenberg, designers Mark Evancho, Cora Fauser and Eric Love with William Pelton serving as stage manager.

Why this play? 

“It’s chillingly relevant, yet the story is triumphant. It’s also a brilliant piece of theater – calling on all our skills, art and craft to mount this ridiculously entertaining yet rawly revealing story,” said Kathleen Keenan, Lost Nation’s producing artistic director. 

“It’s the perfect role for Stoph, who first worked with us 15 years ago in ‘The Complete Works of Shakespeare (abridged).’ Playing multiple characters in the same play has always been Stoph’s specialty, and this play is the ultimate challenge for an actor in that respect,” added founding Artistic Director Kim Bent.

Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m., Thursdays–Saturdays, with 2 p.m. matinees on Sundays.

Tickets: $10 – $30 (depending on ticket type) available online, by phone, or in person at Montpelier City Hall, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guaranteed reserved seating is available for an additional fee.

Because last summer’s flood made City Hall’s elevator inoperable, the show will be streamed online to be accessible. More information online at lostnationtheater.org. Contact: 802-229-0492 and info@lostnationtheater.org