Raising the Curtain — and the Funds
ACTS Brings Anthem’s Story to the Stage
Writer Shannon Severson // Photographer Ashley Hathaway
As Anthem marks its 25th anniversary, residents aren’t just reflecting on a quarter-century of HOA meetings, desert heat and neighborly bonds. They’re dramatizing it.
“Life in Abundance,” an original theatrical production created specifically for the silver jubilee, brings the “story of Anthem” to life March 14–23 at Musical Theatre of Anthem. Presented by Anthem Cares Through Service, the show is the nonprofit’s largest fundraiser of the year.
Forty Anthem residents will perform in six shows, each beginning with pre-curtain mingling, appetizers, a cash bar and raffle baskets. The $50 ticket price functions as a donation: ACTS hopes to raise at least $40,000 to support its Anthem Gives financial assistance program and Anthem Cares senior support services. In 2025, the organization distributed $100,000 to families in need, local charities and the St. Vincent de Paul food pantry at St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Catholic Church.
“This is more than a performance,” says Linda Pizzo, executive chair of ACTS. “It’s a reflection of who we are as a community. Every ticket purchased helps us continue supporting neighbors during some of life’s most difficult moments, while also celebrating the generosity and heart that define Anthem.”
The production features short vignettes — karaoke night, water aerobics class, an HOA meeting — set against a local bar backdrop with live onstage musicians. ACTS Communications Coordinator Tom Borgman is among the cast; he submitted a sketch to the writer-director team of Traci Fitzgerald and Nancie Tobison that will appear in the final production.
“Several people have written individual segments of the script,” Borgman says. “It’s very much a collaboration.”
He laughs when he explains how he was originally cast by Tobison in the first ACTS fundraiser production three years ago: “I talk loud, so she recruited me. Everyone had such a good time in past shows that many are returning. The vignette style allows for many small roles.”
Tobison is a Grammy finalist, former Boulder Creek High School teacher and longtime Anthem resident who earned Music Director of the Year honors at Carnegie Hall in 2013. She has brought her more than 40 years of music and theater experience to the ACTS fundraiser for each of the past three years.
“Nancie’s experience and passion for storytelling bring depth, polish and heart to this special, community-centered production,” Pizzo says.
Tobison shares that vision.
“This production is an amalgamation of the people, stories, and everyday moments that truly make life in Anthem abundant,” she says. “Life in Abundance celebrates the connections that help our community thrive, which is why partnering with ACTS felt so authentic. The enthusiasm of our artistic team and cast reflects the generosity, care and sense of belonging that enrich one another’s lives throughout Anthem.”
Beyond the stage, ACTS launched its Anthem Cares program in 2025 to recruit and organize volunteers to help homebound neighbors and seniors.
“In our first year, we completed 920 requests,” Pizzo says. “These were mostly rides but also shopping assistance, friendly home visits and respite care. Our volunteers drove 22,383 miles and donated 980 hours of their time — and we need more volunteers to continue serving neighbors.”
The fundraiser will highlight a giving opportunity: ACTS is an Arizona Qualified Charitable Organization, meaning taxpayers can direct up to $987 of their state tax liability to ACTS for tax credit rather than an itemized deduction.
“That’s a dollar-for-dollar tax credit, not a deduction,” Pizzo explains. “We discussed the charity tax credit with our volunteers and a light went on. It’s a phenomenal way for neighbors to help ACTS without it costing them a dime.”
Whether attendees come for the laughs, the music or a familiar face onstage, Life in Abundance is a reminder that small acts of kindness add up — both onstage and off.
‘Life in Abundance’
March 14–23 // See website for times // Musical Theatre of Anthem // 42201 N. 41st Drive, Suite B100, Anthem // $50 // anthemacts.org