Two Olympia writers are bringing a story steeped in Mexican-American culture and elemental magic to the stage at Olympia Family Theater starting Friday, Oct. 16.

"The Luna Sisters of Element," written by Olivia Salazar de Breaux and Katherine Trahan, opens its world premiere at 7 p.m. at the theater, 612 4th Ave. E. The play follows four sisters who develop magical powers linked to earth, air, fire and water after their mother disappears. It is set on the night of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).

The play is a prequel to Salazar de Breaux's young adult novel "Sisters of Element," which chronicles four Mexican-American sisters from a fictional Pacific Northwest town modeled after Olympia, according to OLY ARTS.

Salazar de Breaux grew up in Olympia with five younger sisters and earned a bachelor's degree in English from The Evergreen State College. Her work draws on her love of family, food, music and culture, according to her author website.

Director Angel Ramirez said in a press release that the play "is a story about family, about finding your own element and about understanding that none of us exist alone."

The cast features Maisy Morris as Rory, Amelie McClain as Zo, Carolina Kaipov as Val and Zarah Keenan as Lina. The production includes original music by Anjali Silva Marron and Salazar de Breaux.

Performances run through Nov. 1. Evening shows at 7 p.m. are Oct. 16, 22, 23, 29 and 30. Matinees at 3 p.m. are Oct. 17, 18, 24 and 25 and Nov. 1. Masks are required for the Oct. 18 performance. Tickets are $20 to $25, with no one turned away for lack of funds. Oct. 22 and Oct. 29 performances are pay-what-you-choose.

Emerald City Music opens season with Olympia cellist

Emerald City Music launches its 11th season at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Kenneth J. Minnaert Center for the Arts, 2011 Mottman Rd. SW.

The concert, "Rhapsodic Musings," features cellist Holly Reeves of the Olympia Symphony Orchestra. It marks the first time an Olympia musician has performed with Emerald City Music's ever-changing ensemble, according to OLY ARTS.

"We are thrilled to have Holly performing with us on our mainstage performances in Olympia and Seattle in October," executive director Sean Campbell said.

The Seattle- and Olympia-based chamber series is also expanding its local reach: every program will showcase area musicians in the lobby before Olympia shows.

Guitarist Steve Luceno and vocalist Joanne Green will perform in the lobby at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 17. Artistic director Kristin Lee will discuss the featured composers at 7 p.m.

The program includes works by Grażyna Bacewicz, Antonín Dvořák, Elliott Carter and Béla Bartók. Tickets range from $16 to $55.