Allegra's Window is an American children's television series that aired on Nickelodeon through its Nick Jr. block from October 24, 1994, to October 1, 1996, with reruns being shown until February 5, 1999; it was later shown on Noggin from February 2, 1999, to December 21, 2002. The series deals with the daily life of a precocious, imaginative puppet character named Allegra, and featured live actors, puppets and animation à la Sesame Street. The show was created by Jan Fleming, John Hoffman and Jim Jinkins, the latter of whom is also the creator of Doug. Two of the puppeteers, Kathryn Mullen and Anthony Asbury, would later work together on the PBS series Between the Lions as the performers of Lionel and Leona Lion. The series also spawned a series of music videos aired during interstitials that aired on Nick Jr. In the 2010s, the first season was released on iTunes and Amazon Video. However, the series was recently released for viewing on Noggin's new paid-subscription service. The entire second and third seasons were removed from Noggin in March 2020 due to COVID-19, but they will return in July.
Synopsis
The series follows Allegra through the daily triumphs, trials and tribulations of growing up. She and her older brother Rondo, along with her best friend Lindi, a pesky blue neighborhood cat named Riff and a green boy named Poco all try to learn about the world around them with the help of their neighborhood friends. At the end of each episode, Allegra sits at her window and reflects on all the lessons she has learned. The series was music-based and included musically inspired characters named Lindi, Rondo, Riff, Poco, Reed, Miss Melody, Ellington, Encora, Sonata, Clef, Woofer, Aria, Tweeter, Flugie, Vi and of course, Allegra the title character's name herself. There were also segments that feature talking musical instruments that live on the wall of Reed's Music shop. Special character Daphne Dolphin also appears with her friend Salvatore Intieri later in the series. Over 100 original songs were created for the series, under the oversight of musical directorDon Sebesky. The original decision to use the name Allegra for the show's protagonist occurred after creator/executive producer Jan Fleming attended a dinner party at the house of London-based academics and was introduced to their oldest daughter, Allegra. That evening, she remarked that it would be a great name for the teenage girlat the center of the project she was working on.
Characters
Allegra – The title character of the series, a 3-year-old girl. She is just learning about the world outside of her home and is quite brave. She mostly encounters problems and is always relied on her friends to find a solution. She also is known for having curly doodle hair, which Rondo points out and hates the fact that he does. She is also the leader of the gang.
Rondo – The older brother of Allegra. Although he often tries to act tough, he has a great deal of love and protection for his younger sister. It is mentioned that he is in the first grade by Allegra. In multiple episodes, Rondo usually walks upside down with his shoes on up.
Lindi – A yellow dog who is Allegra's best friend and Poco’s girlfriend. She is feisty and often acts as her voice of reason. She has a love for dance, especially ballet.
Riff – The pesky and grumpy neighborhood cat and Rondo's best friend and also a big brother type to him. Although he frequently takes advantage of Allegra's naivety, his favorite target is Mr. Cook.
Mr. Cook – The town baker who is frequently the butt of Riff's antics. He is generally upbeat and always speaks in third person and also speaks broken english.
Poco – Mr. Cook's nephew. The funniest character of the show, he tells jokes and teams up with Allegra, Rondo, Lindi and Riff. Like his uncle, he also speaks in third person. He could also have a crush on Lindi. Poco also appears in ALL three seasons of the show.
Reed – A musician who runs the town's music shop. He is also Allegra’s master. On some occasions, he can be easily forgetful.
Miss Melody – A teacher who runs Little Blue Daycare who favors Allegra. She is also Reed’s girlfriend.
Ellington – The oldest resident of Hummingbird Alley. He is very kind and gentle to everyone in town, especially towards the kids. He appears in the first season only.
Encora – A friendly and energetic mail carrier with a love for singing. She was introduced at the beginning of the second season.
Sonata – Allegra and Rondo's mother.
Clef – Allegra and Rondo's father.
Woofer, Aria and Tweeter – Three tiny hummingbirds who live in a nest above a tree in Reed's piano garden.
Flugie and Vi - A tuba and viola who hang on a wall at Reed's music shop.
