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Taking inspiration from his own life and experiences with 12-step programs, Stephen Adly Guirgis presents a dark comedy, pairing an unlikely group of amateur robbers as they hatch a malformed plot to steal $750,000 from a powerful Mafioso. Although the early, 1996 play has instances of sharp wit and insight, unlike the full flesh of some of the Pulitzer Prize winner’s later works, Den of Thieves never goes very deep, preferring comedic turns in place of full revelation.

Luckily, Eric Augusztiny offers potent direction that elevates an otherwise endearing but inconsequential script. The staging moves along well, avoids the traps left in the text and plays to each of the actors’ strengths as they bring to life some colorful characters.

Kudos also to Andrew Dunn’s intelligent lighting design, which anchors a possibly overly colorful show with simple and stark lighting — an interesting and subtle, danger-accented filter through which to view these flawed humans.

Maggie (Alison Quinn) is desperately trying to turn her life around and break free from a life addicted to theft. Highly skilled in shoplifting and pickpocketing, but also dangerously depressive, she hopes that her new sponsor Paul (Frank Gallegos) will help guide her toward a positive change. However, when her ex-boyfriend Flaco (Kevin Herrmann) shows up at her door unannounced, his bad influence is too hard to resist. Together with Flaco’s new squeeze, a topless dancer named Boochie (Paulina Gamiz), they decide to band together to steal an irresistibly tempting amount of money.

Unequipped as they are to pull off an elaborate heist, it’s no surprise that they are caught in the act. Crime boss Al “The Big Tuna” Pescatore (Cris D’Annunzio) and his son Louie “The Little Tuna” Pescatore (Christ Lanehart) along with their resident lackey/cook Sal (Eric Geller) put this group through the ringer, and present them with a serious choice to make.

Yes, the play may lack any consequence in its writing, but the direction and performers make up for it with a show that entertains, and may even provoke some thought.

2Cents Theatre Group at Hudson Guild Theatre, 6539 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood; Fri. & Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m.; through February 21. (323) 960-5770, plays411.com/denofthieves. Running time: approximately 1 hour, 30 minutes with one intermission.