Gay marriage show coming to Austin

Published 2:44 pm Tuesday, April 2, 2013

A nonprofit organization promoting equal rights and benefits for same-sex couples is bringing a theatrical production to Austin Wednesday.

The Project 515 Education Campaign will perform “515 — The Tour!” at noon Wednesday at Frank W. Bridges Theatre, 1900 Eighth Ave. NW, and at 7 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 301 Third Ave. NW.

The goal of the 45-minute representation is to show the challenges same-sex couples and their families face based on their inability to marry, according to a news release.

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The production shows 515 laws in Minnesota that the campaign says discriminate against same-sex couples, including in times of illness and tragedy, planning for the future and in a couple’s professional and political lives, the release stated.

“At a time when Minnesota is engaged in a statewide discussion about marriage for same-sex couples, we hope to demonstrate the ways in which marriage is important to all families,” said Bryan Gerber, the show’s director. “Our show presents a vision of a world where all families are equally valued and respected under the law and in their homes, neighborhoods, workplaces and communities.”

A question-and-answer period will follow the show.

There will also be performances at the Riverland campus, 2200 Riverland Drive in Albert Lea, at 1 p.m. Thursday, and in Owatonna at 7 p.m. Thursday in the commons of Riverland Community College, 965 Alexander Drive SW.

The performance premiered in 2010 at Patrick’s Cabaret in Minneapolis. It has been updated several times and performed throughout the state.