Jan. 19-23

Greg Proops is one cheeky bastard. And I mean that in the most positive sense. Best known as the lightning-fast smartass on the ABC improv show Whose Line Is it Anyway? (he’s a veteran of the British version of the series), Proops also hosts the Comedy Central’s late-night game show, VS., which pits, say, roadies against lead guitarists, or Elvis imitators against drag queens. But the real draw is watching Proops mock the contestants to their faces without anyone getting mad. He’s tart, he’s smart, he’s smug—and he’s insulting. But he’s not an insult comic. He’s just linguistically limber and has a deadly wit that sparkles at any hint of vulnerability. Of course, one imagines that being tall, beanpole-thin, wearing mega-nerd black-rim eyeglasses, and having geeky spiked hair was a shining “Kick Me, Please” sign throughout much of Proops life—and now he’s delighting in the payback. It’s telling that Proops provides the voice of Catbert on the TV version of Dilbert. That’s very good casting, indeed. Proops will mock you silly at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 19, Thursday, Jan. 20, and Sunday, Jan. 23, and at 8 and 10:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 21, and Saturday, Jan. 22, at the Improv, 1140 Connecticut Ave. NW. $12-$15. (202) 296-7008. (Dave Nuttycombe)