Getting Food for the Hungry presents Chonda Pierce: Getting Back to Funny Tour on Wednesday, May 9, at 7 p.m. at the Crown Coliseum. Up & Coming Weekly had a conversation with the comedian about her life and how she got to be so funny.

Up & Coming Weekly: What should the audience expect to hear from you at the Crown?

Chonda Pierce: I’m excited because I love my job. I get paid to go out there and laugh with my audience. I’ve been doing this for 25 years, and they probably are going to get the same old thing that they always get. We laugh a little bit, cry a little bit, pee in our pants and go home.

UCW: Why are you often called “The Queen of Clean?”

CP: I know that comedy is subjective. If you walk into a comedy club late at night, I’m pretty squeaky clean compared to that. Now my grandmother would probably argue with you because once in a while somebody walks out because I said “sex” or “butt crack.”

UCW: When did you first find out you were hilarious enough to become a comedian?

CP: Probably my first whipping. I was a preacher’s kid and a middle child, so that is the making of comedy right there. As a theater major in high school, my drama teacher was so good. She would give me a dramatic role and I would still make it funny and get fussed at. Every time I would audition for something in community theater or in college, I was always drawn to the funny. Most girls wanted the leading role so they could kiss the boy. I wanted the role that would make the crowd laugh and looked like it was going to be fun.

UCW: What is something that people would be surprised to know about you?

CP: I think I have been at this too long because people know too much. I wanted to be a policeman when I was growing up. People would be surprised to know that at home or in my small group of friends, I am not the funny one or the loud mouth that people would think. I get all that done at night on the stage. I live a very quiet life at home. I love fishing, cooking and scrapbooking in my free time. I have to fight against isolation and becoming more reclusive because a lot of it has to do with losing my husband. I am clinically depressed, so you have to really push back on things that will fuel your depression.

Tickets cost between $27 and $49.50. The VIP experience includes the best seats in the house, a pre-show meet-and-greet with Chonda, a commemorative VIP pass, crowd-free shopping and $5 off $25 or more on Chonda merchandise. For more information, call 910-438-4100.