‘Rendezvous with Treason’ comes to Yorktown

Yorktown’s historic First Presbyterian Church will be the site of Rendezvous with Treason — a dramatic portrayal of the fateful encounter between two of the American Revolution’s most intriguing characters.

The production, set to play on Friday, April 17, at 7:30 p.m., depicts the 1780 meeting in Haverstraw of American General Benedict Arnold and British Major John Andre, and the treasonous plot to deliver West Point to the British.

The event is among many activities to remember local events associated with the American Revolution and our nation’s 250th independence anniversary.

The Washington Rochambeau Revolutionary Route – New York, Incorporated, in conjunction with the Yorktown Heritage Preservation Commission / Yorktown 250, is hosting the event. Admission is free.

“Rendezvous with Treason” was created by teachers Gary Petagine (Carmel High School) and Sean Grady (Ardsley Middle School). The two men, who met through living history reenactments with the Fifth New York Regiment, spent several years developing the interactive program based on careful research.

The production allows Arnold and Andre to tell their respective sides of the story and the motivations behind a plot that could easily have crushed the American cause for independence and effectively ended the American Revolution.

Arnold and Andre share their triumphs and setbacks as we follow their rise to success in their respective armies. Arnold was, in fact, a Revolutionary War hero and a trusted confidant of George Washington who became disgruntled after being passed over for promotions.

Major John Andre was, by all accounts, a kind and charming man, a great favorite in colonial society, and a reluctant spy.

Grady (who portrays Andre) and Petagine (Arnold) are the actors, writers and living historians who bring these characters to life. Dressed in authentic period attire throughout the performance, they will be available after the play for questions and discussion. 

Article courtesy of Lynn Briggs