If you've never heard of "Songs for a New World," the musical/song cycle that opened last Thursday at Trafford's Theatre Factory, you're not alone.

"Songs" was the first staged production of composer Jason Robert Brown, who is offbeat enough that mainstream fame has, so far, eluded him.

But his quirkiness makes him a good fit for the Theatre Factory, which has recently been mixing standard musical theater fare, such as "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown," with more experimental work, such as last spring's homegrown musical spoof "American't Idol."

"Songs for a New World" has no larger story. Instead, the 15 songs are loosely connected by the theme of new beginnings, which can make for a bit of a bumpy ride for audiences.

The best numbers, such as the suicidal Park Avenue housewife song "Just One Step," and the remorseful lovers' duet "I'd Give it All for You" have strong internal narratives that act as miniplays, amplifying their emotional impact.

Other songs, such as "The River Won't Flow," are appealing musically, but lack power because they lack specificity.

The uneven nature of the show was matched by some unevenness in its execution, because the cast members have voices of different strengths that didn't always mesh during the ensemble numbers.

But for every song that struck an off note, there was another that struck a powerful chord.

Two of the best were sung by Jackie Pepe, who nailed the neurotic rich wife in "One More Step" and the angry woman at the mercy of war in "The Flagmaker 1776."

Adam Pribila sounded a bit flat early on, but his acting skill and charisma carried him through to the second act, where he hit his stride.

Rachel Braun possesses a sweet and clarion voice that is an ornament to any song, although she and Katie Aiello could have gone a bit further with interpretation. Ms. Aiello's best song was "Stars & the Moon," about the regrets of a young woman who opted for comfort over passion.

Mr. Brown's work may be easy to listen to, but it's not easy to sing, and Ben Greenstone seemed to struggle at times with the highest notes. But he was winning as the deposed dictator in "King of the World."

Director Tom McCarthy has clearly paid careful attention to fostering his cast's musical and acting performances and maintained a consistent production style throughout. The simple set was rendered dramatic through Mike Pilyih's lighting.

In the end, "Songs" seems to say, we often regret the journeys we didn't take. This production may offer a bumpy ride, but it's definitely one worth going on.

"Songs for a New World" will continue through Sunday at the Theatre Factory in Trafford. For information, call 412-374-9200 or go to www.thetheatrefactory.com.