“Songs for a New World” is the next musical production to be presented at Zao Theatre in Apache Junction.

Performances are Jan. 29-Feb. 14 at 7:30 p.m. Fridays; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays; and a 4 p.m. matinee Sundays.

This contemporary musical by Tony Award winner Jason Robert Brown is a moving collection of powerful songs that examines life and weaves its characters and history together, illuminating the timelessness of self-discovery.

The presentation lies between musical and song cycle, but is neither. Rather, it is an abstract series of songs that are all connected by a theme: “the moment of decision.”

There are four performers who do not literally play the same characters throughout the show but who do have consistently developing arcs.

Composer Brown said, “It’s about one moment. It’s about hitting the wall and having to make a choice, or take a stand, or turn around and go back.”

Choices ... there are always choices. What we choose individually to base those choices on is strictly up to us.

These are the stories and characters of today ... these are the “Songs for a New World.”

Zao Theatre is at 550 S. Ironwood Drive in Apache Junction. For information and tickets, go to zaotheatre.com.

Editor’s note: Hank Sheffer is publicity director for Zao Theatre.