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F R I D A Y

In the early ’70s, Richard Belzer was part of the hip New York counterculture crowd, most of whom would eventually become Not Ready for Prime Time Players. But not Belzer. Always stigmatized as a “comic’s comic”—more appreciated by those in the wings than in the paid seats—the acerbic comedian was judged a bit too unready, too rough, probably too ugly, even for late-night television. But revenge is sweet, for Belzer not only outlived many of his compatriots, he is today a real prime-time player, playing, ironically enough, a TV cop, Det. Munch on Homicide. Belzer brings his years of finely honed bitterness and anger at 8:30 & 10:30 p.m. tonight & Saturday and 8:30 p.m. Sunday to the Improv, 1140 Connecticut Ave. NW. $15-17. (202) 296-7008. (Dave Nuttycombe)