Major General Benedict Arnold in the summer of 1780 has just taken over as commander of West Point, Washington’s key defense on the Hudson River, but Arnold was beginning preparations to surrender this post to the British. This play reenacts the experiences of two Continental Army officers who unwittingly helped foil Arnold’s sinister plan to betray his nation. Colonel John Lamb, Commander of the Second Continental Artillery at West Point, and Colonel James Livingston in command of the forces at Kings Ferry/Verplanck’s Point played vital roles in the unraveling of Arnold’s plot. A cannon dragged to Teller’s Point, a British spy, Major John André, and a British ship, The Vulture, are all featured in this chapter of history.
Audience: All ages Duration: 40 minutes, followed by audience Q&A
Presenters: Sean Grady & Gary Petagine Fee: $1000
Contact: gapetagine12@gmail.com or seanone88@aol.com
Site Requirements: Designated changing room (not a bathroom). For outdoor venues, a power source for sound system.
JOHN PAULDING: DECORATED TARRYTOWN PATRIOT VS WASHINGTON’S SPYMASTER, CONGRESSMAN BENJAMIN TALLMADGE
This dramatic portrayal pits two aging heroes of the American Revolution, John Paulding and Benjamin Tallmadge. The action takes place in an 1817 debate before a House Committee, to determine whether the captors of Major André are worthy of not only a pension increase from Congress, but of any glory at all. The play is based on historical evidence and the writings and accounts of Tarrytown born Paulding and of Tallmadge, whose service in the Continental Army included Westchester County. Characters: Benjamin Tallmadge and John Paulding.
Audience: All ages Duration: 40 minutes, plus audience Q&A and photos
Presenters: Sean Grady & Gary Petagine Fee: $1000
Contact: gapetagine12@gmail.com or seanone88@aol.com
Site Requirements: Designated changing room (not a bathroom). For outdoor venues, a power source for a sound system.
A CASUALTY OF BETRAYAL: THE DAVID S. FRANKS STORY
Benedict Arnold’s two aides, Richard Varick and David Franks, are suspected of colluding with Arnold in his treasonous act of turning West Point over to the British. A Court of Inquiry is required to clear their names. In a remarkable turn of events Varick and Franks are allowed to interrogate each other. Varick goes on to have a remarkable career, eventually becoming Mayor of NYC. What happens to David Franks is the story this play reveals.
Audience: All ages Duration: 40-50 minutes, followed by audience Q&A
Presenters: Sean Grady & Gary Petagine Fee: $1,000
Contact: gapetagine12@gmail.com or seanone88@aol.com
Site Requirements: Designated changing room (not a bathroom). For outdoor venues, a power source for sound system.
IN THE SHADOW OF THE GALLOWS: THE TRIAL OF JOSHUA HETT SMITH
The treason of Benedict Arnold has been exposed. Arnold is on the run. His accomplice, Major John André has been captured, tried and hanged. Joshua Hett Smith, a civilian who facilitated Arnold's rendezvous with André is now on trial for his life. Was Smith aware of his role in Arnold's treachery or was he an unwitting dupe? Will the Board of Inquiry led by John Laurence punish Smith and make an example of those who betray the cause for independence or will they give him the benefit of the doubt for following orders and show him mercy?
Audience: All ages Duration: 40 minutes, followed by audience Q&A
Presenters: Sean Grady & Gary Petagine Fee: $1,000
Contact: gapetagine12@gmail.com or seanone88@aol.com
Site Requirements: Designated changing room (not a bathroom). For outdoor venues, a power source for sound system.
THE CAPTURE OF MAJOR ANDRÉ
A first-person retelling of how John Paulding, Isaac Van Wart and David Williams—three local Westchester Patriots serving in the militia unit headquartered in Salem, NY––captured British spy Major John André, in Tarrytown. Their capture of André foiled Benedict Arnold’s plot to surrender West Point to the British, and to capture General George Washington, thus saving the American cause from likely defeat. Living history interpreter Dr. Vic DiSanto portrays David Williams of Tarrytown.
Audience: All ages Duration: 1 hour
Presenters: Dr. Vic DiSanto Fee: $300
Contact: vicdisanto65@gmail.com
Site Requirements: Open Space (indoor or out) seating for the audience, a table for props, and a lectern.
