Comedy Magician Keir Royale w/ Bill Russ and emcee Matty Abrams April 23, 2011

Bill Russ is resourceful in that "if life hands you lemons, make lemonade" kind of way.

As a road-tested, stand-up comedian, Russ has dealt with the occasional drunk smart-ass who feels the need to interrupt his set. "There are a lot of ‘stock’ lines to say to hecklers, like, "Do I come to YOUR job and heckle you at the drive thru window?"

Before you start thinking that's as bad as it gets on the comedy club circuit, think again.

"I was doing a one nighter and I got a bottle of ketchup thrown at me," Russ explained. "I then asked if anyone had french fries."

We told you he was resourceful.

Before making his way to Topeka for a pair of shows this weekend at Bullfrog's Live, SPLASH! tracked down Russ earlier this week at the library in Tulsa, Okla., where he was abusing the free public computer and Internet.

You did morning radio for a number of years, how did that experience benefit your comedy career?

I think that may have helped with spontaneity and thinking on your feet. I did voices and wrote comedy bits for the morning shows I worked on. I would have to come up with new, topical comedy bits for the next day's morning show, I think that definitely helped.

You've been doing this long enough to have at least one bizarre travel story. Can you share one with us?

Just one? I'm notorious for being bad with directions. Several years ago I was performing at the Funny Farm in Broadalbin, NY, upstate near Albany. I left that Sunday morning to drive back to my home in Virginia Beach, Va. I left at 6:30 a.m. At 11:30 a.m. I saw the sign, "Welcome to Boston." I drove for 5 hours in the wrong direction — going east instead of south!

When you are traveling from city to city on the comedy circuit, do you work on your routine or are you just lost in the majestic beauty of the Interstate highway system?

Sometimes I'll have my notes next to me in the car and go over bits in my head. I would say 90% of the time I just enjoy the drive. I have satellite radio in my car, a cooler of cherry cokes, car on cruise control and I just enjoy the drive.

Is there a groupie scene in the world of stand-up comedians?

There are groupies in comedy, it doesn't happen to me a lot — I have no game. I do recall an Erie, Pa., experience! I would like to give a shoutout to the lovely ladies of Topeka, "Hello!"

Does being booked into a comedy club in Topeka, Kansas, constitute the highlight of your comedy career?

Yes, I can definitely say, "I MADE IT!"

Official Website: http://www.sullyscomedycellar.com