By AILEEN CHARLESTON, The Mirror

A vibe of light and dazzling actors from different parts of the state will brighten the Knutzen Family Theatre this month with presentations of the musical “Thugs,” written and directed by local Federal Way playwright Dave Tucker and embellished by the original music of Washington native composer Kim Douglas.

Tucker’s love for theater goes back to his childhood. He has written more than 30 plays and directed productions at the national and international levels.

“Thugs” is geared toward adults but created for the whole family to enjoy. “The city’s children’s theater group is already fantastic, hopefully they will continue to do more shows like ‘Thugs’ in the future,” said cast member Christian Doyle. “They’ll laugh no matter what happens and the cast is really good.”

Inspired by Italian playwright Carlo Goldoni’s 18th-century comedy “Servant of Two Masters,” the musical tells the story of two potentially harmless thugs who were banished from Chicago’s 1929 gangland community for ruining an assignment — and were forced to move to the unexciting town of Shady Groves.

Homeless and jobless, they end up working as bodyguards for a man who pretends to be the late Anthony Sartori. “Thugs” also adds to its story two men who pass themselves as important Mafia dons and disagree on the prohibited love relationship between their children, while dealing at the same time with the flamboyant “Don Juan” of the story, The Shark.

“‘Thugs’ is the perfect thing for a cold rainy January night,” creator Dave Tucker said. “There is lots of music, laugh and dance.”

Contact writer: acharleston@fedwaymirror.com.

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If you go:

The musical opens Jan. 25 and at the Knutzen Family Theatre, 3200 SW Dash Point Road, and runs until Feb. 10. Shows are at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays.

Tickets are $16 for adults and $12 for students and seniors.

There will be a special $5 night at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 31 that’s open to the public.

For more information, visit www.kftevents.com or contact the Knutzen Family Theatre at (253) 835-2020.