History comes alive in Yorktown with ‘Rendezvous with Treason’

The past felt perilously close on April 17, as the story of Benedict Arnold and John André unfolded inside First Presbyterian Church of Yorktown — where whispers of treason seemed to echo once more in a town that once played a role in that very history.

Around 70 attendees were transported back to 1780, drawn into the high-stakes conspiracy between Arnold and André through “Rendezvous with Treason," a dramatic, research-driven production featuring educators and reenactors Sean Grady (André) and Gary Petagine (Arnold).

The free event, hosted by the Washington Rochambeau Revolutionary Route – New York and the Yorktown Heritage Preservation Commission/Yorktown 250, is one of many programs planned this year marking the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Before the performance began, organizer Lynn Briggs addressed the audience, outlining the town’s deep historical roots. She recounted how George Washington once stayed nearby to coordinate troop movements, how British forces burned the original church in 1779, and how André himself passed through Yorktown carrying plans for West Point hidden in his boot. When Briggs asked how many in attendance were aware of these events, only a handful of hands went up — underscoring the evening’s educational purpose.

From the opening line delivered by Petagine as Arnold, the audience was locked in. Alongside Grady as André, Petagine guided viewers through the personal and political tensions that led to one of the Revolution’s most infamous acts of treason. The production, developed over 15 years, draws on extensive historical documents, letters, and firsthand accounts, blending accuracy with theatrical storytelling.

Grady, a social studies teacher, said his connection to the story began in childhood. Learning that André spent his final night of freedom in Yorktown made the history feel immediate and personal. Years later, that early fascination evolved into a collaborative project with Petagine, whom he met through reenactments. What began as a teacher-focused course grew into a full theatrical production designed to reach broader audiences.

“It’s like a full-circle moment,” Grady told Yorktown News. “Coming back to where I first learned about André gives another level of energy to the performance.”

That energy was evident throughout the evening. The two-man performance relied heavily on chemistry, timing, and emotional depth. Rather than simply exchanging dialogue, Grady and Petagine fully embodied their characters — writing and reading letters aloud, revealing inner conflicts, and allowing the audience to witness the slow, deliberate unfolding of the plot.

The climax of the long-anticipated meeting between Arnold and André was especially powerful. Petagine’s Arnold appeared resolute yet embittered, while Grady’s André conveyed hesitation as he contemplated violating orders from British command. The tension in the room was palpable as the actors explored the risks and moral weight of their decisions.

The final moments were equally gripping. The reenactment of André’s capture and execution, including his last words and symbolic final walk, left the room in silence. Arnold’s reaction — learning of André’s fate and preparing to flee — provided a stark contrast, emphasizing the diverging legacies of the two men.

Grady noted that one of the greatest challenges in creating the play is balancing authenticity with accessibility. “We start with documents… and try to protect the authenticity of the words,” he said, while ensuring modern audiences can still connect with the material. Dialogue is often reconstructed from letters and historical context, staying within what he describes as “the realm of possibility.”

That effort resonated. Briggs, who observed the audience closely, described them as “totally engaged… from the first words to the last.” She pointed to the post-performance Q&A as further proof, with attendees asking thoughtful, probing questions that reflected a deep level of interest.

The play also challenges simplified views of its central figures. While Arnold is widely remembered as a traitor, the production highlights his earlier contributions as a key Revolutionary War hero. “We probably wouldn’t have been as successful without him,” Grady noted.

According to Briggs, more events are planned to be held at First Presbyterian Church of Yorktown this year, including the Trial of Major John Andre on Dec. 11, which will see the return of Grady and Petagine. For updates on upcoming events, visit the Town of Yorktown website and social media pages, as well as the Revolutionary Westchester 250 website.