Young Americans Delightful in Performance at SPAC

by Marilyn Nason, The Post-Star, August 13, 1969

(editor’s note – pretty sure Andy Kim was the opening act, but unconfirmed as yet)

“Fresh and alive” is about the best way to describe the Young Americans, in a delightful, thoroughly enjoyable concert last night at Saratoga Performing Arts Center before 3,500 people.

The boys looked like boys and the girls like girls and they moved with a verve, enthusiasm and clean-cut enjoyment for life that becomes infectious. In fact, as the second half started, much of the audience, and it was equally divided between adults and young people, sat smiling, thoroughly enjoying this refreshing entertaining, talented and thoroughly professional group.

The 30 young people onstage—ranging in age from 16-21—did not walk on/offstage or around the stage, they ran, moving in double time in a constant flowing movement, not disturbing but perfectly in keeping with the tempo of the entire show.

Led by Milton Anderson, their founder and director, the kids sang a true cross-section of perennial favorites, spirituals, patriotic numbers, the latest Beatles and Petula Clark hits, offered bits of comedy routine, played a variety of musical instruments well, displayed individual voices of excellent quality, sang in chorus and even a cappella reminiscent of the best of Fred Waring and danced to rival a David Merrick show line.

The kids were just simply good in everything they did and they did it with gusto. The enunciation was excellent and every word heard and enjoyed—in fact, the severest critics of all each night at SPAC, the gate guards, were seen to come down to the edge of the theatre during the second half and they applauded as loudly as everyone else.

The Young Americans have often been described by critics as “an explosion of happiness” and this seems an accurate description of a heartwarming show, perfect for the entire family and a welcome sight and sound on the SPAC stage.

And what better closing, than a standing ovation, which they richly deserved? This brought Mr. Anderson to the stage to thank the audience and announce that “we planned an encore but I warned the kids before we came on we might not be doing it.” The kids seemed genuinely thrilled by the ovation, squealing their pleasure and smiling broadly.

After an encore, “One More Mountain,” the group leaped offstage and ran, naturally, through the audience, waving to the lawn crowd and closing the show on a very happy note.