Best known for his work in the “1-800-CALL-ATT” commercials, stand-up comedian Carrot Top will take the stage at Ohio Theatre tonight as part of his “Made in America” comedy tour.

Carrot Top said his live act is different than his commercial persona, combining lights, lasers, music and even pyrotechnics.

“I always wanted to have something more than just jokes and that’s how it evolved into kind of a rock ‘n’ roll comedy show,” said Carrot Top. “I think deep down, everybody wants to be a rock star, and that’s what I felt like when I started doing comedy.”

A self-professed music lover, Carrot Top listens to an eclectic assortment of music.

“You’re going to laugh, but the last CD I listened to was actually Travis Tritt,” he said. “I like everything from rock to country, the ‘Stones to Metallica and the Dixie Chicks.”

Carrot Top, whose real name is Scott Thompson, made his comic debut while studying marketing at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. There he performed for the first time at an open mic night.

Carrot Top’s act consists mostly of props, like forks that talk to waiters for people with full mouths, and impressions.

“I watched Dr. Phil’s show the other day and I started doing that (impression) in my act last night … and the crowd loved it,” he said.

Much of his material is inspired by things that occur in his everyday life and in the media.

“A lot of things happen by observing and then there are things like current events, things in the paper, like Martha Stewart,” he said.

Carrot Top said he has been influenced by and admired the work of many comedians, including Robin Williams, Gallagher, Bill Cosby and even David Letterman.

“It’s hard to narrow it down, because they’re all so different… if I had to pick just one, I guess George Carlin – he’s the king,” Carrot Top said of his influences.

Carrot Top lives in both Orlando, Florida and Los Angeles, and travels between the two weekly when not touring. He has performed in Columbus before, including a show at Ohio State, and is excited about returning.

“My family is from Ohio– Dayton and Cleveland,” he said. “My brother lives in Dayton – he’s going to be at the show.”

Carrot Top’s performance will start at 8 tonight. Tickets start at $22.75 and are available at Ticketmaster locations or through www.ticketmaster.com.