Comedian Mark Normand is making a return visit to Springfield this week

When Mark Normand paces the Gillioz Theatre stage Friday with a series of dark zingers, insightful observations, and engaging crowd work, he will be a month removed from the release of his Netflix special.

Much has changed for the sharp-witted comic since the last time he brought laughter to Springfield.

Normand, who performed at Blue Room Comedy Club in 2019, has since ascended to one of the country's top stand-up acts.

Once described by Jerry Seinfeld "as one of the best young and up coming comics," it seems the 39-year-old has arrived with appearances on most prominent late-night TV shows, podcasts and his name on the marquee of the industry's most famous venues.

In his latest "Ya Don't Say" tour, his stops span from major coastal metropolises like Los Angeles to the state of Missouri's third-biggest market, Springfield.

He likes it that way.

"You have to have material for everywhere you go. It's good to mix it up," said Normand, who uses a distinctive voice and cadence with his pushing-the-envelope brand of comedy. "In Los Angeles, you know what jokes offend them. In Springfield, they're offended by different things."

So which does he prefer?

"Small towns are usually more fun," he told the News-Leader. "The audience is more salt of the earth. They put in a hard day's work and want to laugh. In Los Angeles, they got their TikTok."

Normand was a burgeoning talent during his 2019 Springfield visit to Blue Room, shortly before the release of his career-changing YouTube special "Out To Lunch" which generated more than 10 million views.

The New Orleans native considers Springfield a good comedy town and distinctly remembers his tour through the Queen City with Blue Room manager Chris Richele, which included a stop at the strip club Centerfolds to try its acclaimed steak dinner.

"I got me a good ol' firestone," said Normand, who married fellow comic Mae Planert last year. "And that town is all about its cashew chicken. Springfield is cool, but getting there is a real (pain)."

Unlike most of the cities he performs, the Springfield-Branson National Airport typically takes a connecting flight. He won't have time for any gentleman's club ribeye this time.

Normand said he will get into town Friday, perform, go out for a few beers, then get up the next morning and drive to St. Louis for a Saturday show.

His cross-state driver will be his Friday night comic opener, Springfield product Corbin LeMaster.

"I like him. He has a lot of jokes, he's a big guy, and he's not pretentious," Normand said. "You want to throw these kids a bone the way people did for you. And it's always good to book a local opener, because if you bring your own, you're both kind of lost in the town."

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Comedian Mark Normand talks Springfield before upcoming Gillioz show