King Family Gives Gay Performance

by Marilyn Nason, The Post-Star, August 3, 1970

The King Family, in a bright, gay and lively appearance last night at Saratoga Performing Arts Center, proved again that family togetherness not only pays off but can be lots of fun for everyone in the bargain.

With a disappointing 1,500 enjoying the return appearance of this illustrious family, following last year’s equally enjoyable performance, the King Family moved from number to number, from chitchat about various members of the family to a parade of gorgeous evening gowns and short formals that would make a girl’s mouth water. And the gowns, all similar in style to each other with every clothes change, looked stunning on everybody from the original King Sisters to the younger King Cousins to the tiniest little miss, all of about four years old and a real trouper ham if there ever was one.

This little tyke was matched for “audience devouring” by a four-year-old young man and between the two of them they created such a warmth and rapport with the audience, it almost seemed to envelope all of SPAC. And when they
sang “Thank Heaven for Little Girls,” well, how can any performer top an act like that?

Songs ranged from “Hey, Jude” to “The Dipsy Doodle” with a cross-section of hits of the decades in between, the stage at times spotlighting a single singer or offering all 23 King Family members present singing, dancing and whipping up an entertainment storm. They were backed by a 17-piece orchestra for the show.

Alvino Rey, married to Louise King for 32 years, and long known as a fine orchestra leader, demonstrated his ability as guitarist, banjo player and even delighted audiences with some of his “talking” Hawaiian guitar and did that bring back memories of the WW II years.

As a matter of fact, Yvonne King of the King Sisters reminisced even further with her famed “Nighty Nighty,” a familiar tune for servicemen of WW Il via the Armed Services Radio Network.

The King Family en masse closed the show with “Put A Little Love In Your Life” and the urgent plea for peace and brotherhood, with brief mention of “When There’s Love At Home,” which pretty well typifies the collective attitude of the King Family and quite obviously is their wish for their fellow man.

Tonight, Peter, Paul and Mary make their third appearance at SPAC at 8:30.