L.A. actor Tim Maddock traveled to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina
to help rescue the forgotten victims of the flood--the countless dogs,
cats, and other animals left homeless and starving on the streets. His
journey was a tribute to his beloved mother, who had died the year
before, and a return to the city where as a university student Maddock
had learned to embrace his gay identity.

Maddock and a brilliant supporting cast (this one is both gender AND
race bending, allowing Maddock's 5 superlative costars (Tisha Terrasini
Banker, Rufus Bonds, Jr., Lanai Chapman, LeShay Tomlinson, and Colin
Walker) to deliver indellible portraits of literally dozens of people (good
and bad, black and white, male and female) whom Maddock met
along the way). Maddock, who delivers a memorable performance
obviously coming from deep within, cowrote the piece with Lottie Louise
Pharriss (kudos to both). 

The direction by Emilie Beck is equally memorable. There's even live
guitar music beautifully performed by Jason Mandrell.  I am in awe of
Maddock's bravery, in both his Herculean efforts to save the ones who
"have no words," as well as his outness as a gay actor. Like Corpus Christi,
Because They Have No Words is alternately hilarious and deeply moving.
If you're either a dog person or a cat person (and who isn't at least one
of the two?), you owe it to yourself to see Because They Have No Words.
SEPTEMBER 3, 2006, LOUNGE THEATRE, HOLLYWOOD.

--Steven Stanley