By Jackie Demaline
The Cincinnati Enquirer

The wonderful thing about The Wars of the Roses is that Cincinnati Shakespeare Festival has re-captured the essence of what makes the company vital to the local theater scene.

The ensemble again feels young and energetic and fearless in this reprise of R. Chris Reeder's dry condensation of Shakespeare's Henry VI into one long (three-hour) evening. Roses wraps a limited engagement today in celebration of the festival's 10th anniversary.

The thing that Shakespeare knew inherently is that people are what make history interesting. Henry VI is one of his best, populated by some of the most fascinating characters in British history, an edge-of-the-seat adventure that has England at war both with France (Joan of Arc plays a big role) and within itself.

What's always been wrong with Roses is that it's about the "wars" - a clearly presented discussion of decades of civil war (and many murders) among England's extended royal family as two lines claim the crown.

We don't care as much as we should because its heroes and villains seem almost incidental in its march of (off-stage) battles with one side winning then the other and bad things happening to the losers.

The company clearly benefits from the breath of fresh air provided by a guest director. Reeder delivers attractive stage pictures, nicely choreographed movement and lots of big energy. It helps that the bare stage (with hundreds of red and white roses accenting the walls) gives the performers room to roam.

Some standout company members are expected to be moving on after this, and it's wonderful (if bittersweet) to see one final strong performance to remember.

Among the actors I'm going to miss the most: Christopher Guthrie, such a tremendous asset to CSF, ends his career here with a flourish as crippled and conscienceless Richard III; Taylore Mahogany Scott is (as ever) compelling as Margaret, the warrior queen married to indecisive Henry VI, nicely interpreted by Bhavesh Patel, who has made a big impression in many middling roles in his single season here.

Nick Rose is the strongest I've seen him in more than a year as Richard Plantagenet, whose ambitions begin the action. Rose sees a lot of brag and bluster in the role, but he holds the stage nonetheless.

Roses was originally planned as a reunion show that would pull festival veterans in from all over for one week of rehearsals and performances.

That didn't happen, which probably turned out to be a good thing. Returning players were slotted in small parts while company members occupy the primary roles and it helps tremendously that they've been working together all year. Nancy Eyermann and Kevin Pierson provide good support.

The short rehearsal time may have worked for Roses in keeping everyone from over-thinking performances and just going for it. Reeder gets the most controlled, and therefore the best, work I've ever seen from Matt Johnson.

It's always a pleasure to see Giles Davies and he's terrific as a would-be king. He, Guthrie and Pierson make a delightfully unholy trio as the bloody and self-interested Plantagenet brothers.

The Wars of the Roses, 2 p.m. today, Cincinnati Shakespeare Festival, 719 Race St., 381-2273.

E-mail jdemaline@enquirer.com