At first blush, many would peg Greg Proops as a Daily Show/Colbert Report type of comic. He’s a smart, well-read guy whose riffs lean decidedly to the left; plus he’s been a regular panelist on Whose Line Is It Anyway?, on both its English and American iterations. But he’s not just some liberal jester who mocks Tories and Republicans. For starters, Proops is never afraid to offend his audience. And while his humor is heavy on wordplay and witty pop/socio-political references, he’s not condescending or gimmicky. He’s a dynamic comedian, one whose impressions go beyond mere caricature. Proops draws from his improv background, fully slipping into character when necessary. Tonight he’ll be recording an episode for his podcast, The Smartest Man in the World. Maybe he’s kidding, maybe he’s not. Parlor Live Comedy Club, 700 Bellevue Way N.E. (Lincoln Square), 425-289-7000, parlorlive.com. $12-$20. 7:30 p.m. BRIAN J. BARR

Sun., May 6, 7:30 p.m., 2012