BEVERLY — Comedian Pat McGann, of Beverly, returned to New York this week to take a second bite out of the Big Apple.
McGann will tape a performance Thursday evening on "The Late Show with David Letterman" that will air at 10:35 p.m. Friday on CBS. Other guests include actor and "Saturday Night Live" alumni Bill Hader and folk guitarist Shakey Graves.
This is the second time McGann has performed at the Ed Sullivan Theater. He made his network television debut on Letterman on Jan. 23, 2014.
"I was so flattered to be invited back, because Letterman is my hero. He's the guy I wanted to be like," McGann said from New York.
He added that this visit has a more business trip feel to it. Last time, an entourage of friends and family from the Southwest Side accompanied McGann to the show.
This time, it's only his wife, sister and his manager who'll be on hand for another set of McGann's signature observational comedy that leans heavily on his experience of being a parent with three young children.
McGann said he submitted a proposed set to the Letterman scouts months ago but heard nothing in reply. On Wednesday, he was told to pack his bags for the show.
"I don't want to say, 'I'm not nervous,' because I think I will be," said McGann, adding that having one "Late Show" performance under his belt should help him settle down quickly onstage.
McGann's latest set carries the added significance of being featured in the twilight of Letterman's late night career. Dave's final "Late Show" will be May 20.
McGann attended St. Cajetan Elementary School in Morgan Park and Marist High School in Mount Greenwood. He's endeared himself to South Siders in part by hosting comedy night fundraisers at various parishes throughout the area.
Comedic hosting is McGann's true passion. He became the emcee at Zanies Comedy Club in Old Town, as well as in suburban St. Charles and Rosemont, shortly after leaving his career as a packaging salesmen in 2007.
McGann plans to continue hosting the local fundraisers in the wake of his latest appearance on "Letterman." He expects the neighborhood comedy nights will remain a good time no matter how far his star rises.
"There's something really beautiful about [comedy nights] too. Those are my closest friends and family," McGann said. "It's just the best energy."
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