Your new documentary, “Enough,” was released April 25. How was that experience?
Chonda Pierce is known as the Queen of Clean, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t tackle serious topics on stage. The Christian stand-up, performing at Victoria Theatre in Dayton on Saturday, May 13, has never steered away from reality, whether it’s her late husband’s death or her recent forays into online dating.
Pierce recently answered some questions from her home outside of Nashville.
“With comedy you know immediately if something is funny or not. You get that feedback right away and movies aren’t like that. You have to wait for months to see how well it’s received, if people got it and if it was a concept worth talking about. You’re not really sure about that until it hits the screen but I’m elated to say it has been very well received.”
Why is it important for you to tackle serious topics on stage?
“My comedy has always been about having a point to the night. I don’t know if that’s the key to my success but it’s a formula that has always worked for me. The night is always about a little more than just a laugh and I like it that way. Not all comedians do that, but if I have a group of people sitting in front of me to receive a laugh, I want to leave them with a message, a point or an idea that has helped me through my life.”
Do you have any pre-show rituals to prepare yourself to perform?
“I play Earth, Wind & Fire because it pumps me up and prepares me to go be funny in front of people. I’m sorry, but you can’t be down in the dumps while listening to their music. And Earth, Wind & Fire is in The Bible so it’s kind of spiritual. I’ll probably get a note from my pastor on that but they always get me going, honey. It’s on my bucket list to see them live some time.”
What’s up now that the film is out?
“Getting back on the bus and heading back to what I love to do, which is performing for people. The movie stuff is really cool but I love seeing the people’s faces. There’s nothing that beats that one-on-one interaction. I’m so blessed that I get invitations to meet all kinds of people and be
IF YOU GO
Faith and Friends Radio presents comedian Chonda Pierce Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton 7 p.m. Saturday, May 13
$26 or $47 for VIP ticket with preshow Q&A at 6 p.m.
www. faithandfriendsradio. com www. chonda.org part of all kinds of events, like this concert for Faith and Friends Radio.”