Chonda Pierce Talks Rejection and Forgiveness in THE CONFESSION Musical
By Movieguide® Contributor
Christian comedian and actress Chonda Pierce recently starred in UP Faith & Family’s Amish musical THE CONFESSION—a musical retelling of Beverly Lewis’ book by the same name.
Movieguide® previously reported on THE CONFESSION: “The show tells the story of a young Amish woman looking for her birth mother, even at the risk of being shunned by her community. Meanwhile, her wealthy birth mother is also looking for her, even as her greedy husband works to keep her fortune for himself.”
Pierce starred in THE CONFESSION alongside John Schneider, and she reflected on the themes of rejection and forgiveness in the musical.
“You know, I’m a comedian by trade, so of course I’m always looking on the funny side. And I said, ‘For a musical that [the Amish] really should see, they’ll never see it,’” Pierce said with a laugh.
“I think that’s a shame [though] because I think they could learn from holding a mirror up to themselves from time to time—we all can,” she added on a more serious note.
The musical reveals how those who want to leave the Amish community are “shunned,” something many outside that community may also experience to a certain extent.
“Sadly, I think we still have places in our world and in our community that we shun people,” Pierce told Movieguide®. “We shun them because they think differently or they look differently or they vote differently. We shun them because they are different color skin. And so, we are in a society where we are shunning people often, whether we realize it or not.”
Pierce shared how she has experienced this in her own life and career.
“[In] the secular community, I’m not very well known, and only because I stand strong to my faith and my belief in Jesus Christ, and I share that everywhere I go,” she explained.
“And so sometimes I feel like I’ve been shunned from time to time for my strong faith,” she said, adding that Hollywood would give her more opportunities and roles if she didn’t talk about Jesus as much.
“But once you fall in love with the love of Christ, you just can’t help but want to extend it,” Pierce explained. “I was so happy to see them make that such a big part of this story because we are in a broken world.”
“It was really beautiful to watch the side of forgiveness that comes into play because, even in our own personal lives, we have to be willing to forgive our past in order to move to press on to the future,” she continued.
Reflecting on the power of uplifting content, Pierce said, “I love that the arts can draw people in with beautiful music and paintings and even stand-up comedy. And then once we draw them in, we can leave them with something so much bigger than just entertainment.”
“That is a part of the story that will last eternally—not just before a night of entertainment.”
What does Pierce hope families will take away from THE CONFESSION?
“Hopefully, [it will] help them have discussions,” she shared. “What does it feel like when you get rejected at school? And how do you handle it? And do you know that there’s a God who loves you and wants a personal relationship with you?”
“There is some fun entertainment out there, but [it] will also also draw you to have deep conversations with your family and your children,” she concluded. “Ultimately, that they will find that forgiveness is the better way.”
THE CONFESSION MUSICAL is available to stream on UP Faith & Family.
Movieguide® previously reported on Pierce:
Chonda Pierce may be the first one to laugh at her own jokes, but her chuckle is quickly echoed by other people watching her on tour or on screen.
“Even the clean comics, we have way of talking about our viewpoint of society. If the [comic] is a person of faith–or the person that just chooses to talk cleaner–we still have a valid explanation of society and our culture.”
You may recognize her from her documentaries UNASHAMED, LAUGHING IN THE DARK or ENOUGH. She’s also been in a handful of Christmas Hallmark movies, including CHRISTMAS LAND and the 12 WISHES OF CHRISTMAS.
Her jokes are relatable for both the church choir and people off the street. Pierce refuses to use course language in her routines, and that includes unsavory jokes, but that doesn’t mean she’s not making an impact on those within earshot.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
