MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. Project 515s production of 515 The Tour! is coming to The Cowles Center for Dance and the Performing Art for a one-night-only performance on Thursday, June 21, with a 7:30 p.m. performance.

Project 515 is a Minnesota non-profit organization (established in 2007) that is working to ensure same-sex couples and their families have equal rights and considerations under Minnesota law. There are at least 515 current state laws that discriminate against same-sex couples and their families based on marriage.

515 The Tour! is an artistic representation of this real-life discrimination. This spring, the show has been performed throughout Minnesota, including stops in Duluth, Ely, Minneapolis, East Grand Forks, Grand Rapids, Bemidji, Brainerd, St. Paul, Austin, Mankato, and Winona. The show at The Cowles Center marks a homecoming of sorts for the Minneapolis-based cast. We are excited to host 515 The Tour! as part of a full week of LGBT Pride Week activities in downtown Minneapolis, said Lynn A. Von Eschen, Executive Director at The Cowles Center.

The show highlights many of the 515 laws that discriminate against same-sex couples and their families through song, theater and dance. It's a show that brings a serious message to people who otherwise may never hear about it. We hope to change the state of dialogue in Minnesota around the subject of equal rights for same-sex couples and their families, said Bryan Gerber, the shows director. 515 presents a vision of a world of equality where all families are equally valued and respected under the law and in their homes, neighborhoods, workplaces and communities, said Gerber.

The show is presented by the six 515 Players, including Gerber, and is 60 minutes long with a short post-show discussion. After the performance, the cast will invite audience members to join them at nearby Jet Set Bar (115 First Street North, Minneapolis) for an informal reception and to continue the discussion.

Tickets can be ordered from The Cowles Center Box Office: www.thecowlescenter.org or (612) 206-3600.

The show 515 was originally conceived by Gerber and produced by The Flower Shop Project and Project 515. It premiered in 2010 at Patrick's Cabaret in Minneapolis. The show has been performed extensively through the Twin Cities.

Founded by Minnesotans concerned about how state laws affect same-sex families, Project 515s public awareness and advocacy efforts have already changed the debate about fairness. Project 515 is continuing its legislative and education outreach to ensure Minnesota laws treat all families fairly. For more information go to www.project515.org.

Contact: Eric Jensen, Project 515

612-201-8597 (cell)

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