Villa Alegre

I Know I'm Late But up 'til now almost every comment that was made regarding this show (thought I was crazy, thought I was the only one, asked everyone, searched every where...etc) applied to me. I am an African American man from the Lower Eastside of Manhattan and no one in my family nor any of my friends remember this show, not even my Puerto Rican ex-wife. For the past 11 years I've been thinking this and many other shows from my childhood and everything else I've found on the internet (and people remembered) but this show, I was starting to think, was all in my head. It is such a relief to see that this was a real show and I'm not crazy, and for the record, I too thought it was Vi Alerge and all I could remember was the opening theme song, "La lalala lala lala la lala La Vi Alegre" YOU GUYS HAVE KNOW IDEA HOW GREAT IT FEELS TO MAKE THIS CONNECTION, THANX!!!

It was a pleasant surprise to find residual interest in a children's program show that was aired in the 70's. I was involved in the production of the Villa Alegre television programs until the end of production. My father was the executive producer of the shows, and I was the last Line Producer of the Villa Alegre program. I noticed one cast member registered remarks on this web sight, that was nice. It was great to hear the feedback. In reviewing some of the comments, it appears the thematic curriculum, and the music caught the interest of the viewers, most importantly the bilingual programming and also some folks addressed the characters in the shows. It's important to note that some of the characters in the shows were caricatures of real people who lived in real barrios. The creator of the program introduced these folks through vision and characterizations. Many themes were introduced in the shows, i.e. natural environment, nutrition, self and others, etc.

I believe the shows had merit and brought forth issues ever present in multicultural societies and given the current growth of the Latino population such children's programming should be revisited.

The shows still have a viable heartbeat and breath and it will be interesting to evaluate these again if there is an interest in airing them again. Anyone is invited to send comments if they wish. I will make an attempt to reply if possible.

I thought the television series was wonderful; but then again, I was a production team member and may be biased in my opinion.

It was Byron Meyers. Every so often, I would come along with him to the studio where the show was shot and edited. I remember the time they had to complete ten shows (if I recall correctly) in three weeks in summer during a flea invasion of the studio. The Captain was a cool dude, the theme song was the best on PBS, and the animation (which my step-father produced during the last years) was really neat. It is really too bad that this show has not made a reappearance on DVD at least. Though the show was definitely of its' time, the 1970's, it has a lot of positive messages in it that could certainly be helpful during this era. Byron would have been gratified to have known of the positive impact the show he helped to make with those whom have posted here.

I too, like David am amazed to see the affection for our little show Villa Alegre. I am Joaquin, and played Francisco on the show for 4 years.

After reading all of your posts, I now realize what a big influence our show had at the time. I cannot express to you how great that makes me feel.

I have read so many questions on your posts, and welcome the opportunity to answer them the best that I can (we are talking almost 30 years here!) I too think there is plenty of opportunity for shows like this, especially on newer networks like SiTV and such who really promote our ethnic cultures. I really believe that our show (among others) paved the way for popular "bilingual" shows such as Dora the Explorer, Diego, and Maya & Miguel. (I have a toddler, can you tell?) I actually wish that a show such as Villa Alegre was airing today, because my daughter is growing up bilingual, and this would be a great asset in her learning.

One post mentioned that there was no "actors of prominence" on the show. I can tell you that this statement is simply not true. We were kids then, and all grew up. If you look up all of the actors (including me), you will find many, many credits to their names. Most went on to do many other things, including blockbuster movies, and huge television hits.

Thank you all for remembering this show! Joaquin Garay III "Francisco"

My name is Kenia Hernandez Cueto, I played the role of Maria on Villa Alegre for five years. I was one of the oldest child actors on the show therefore, had a better understanding of the positive impact the show had on our society. The creator and producer, Rene Cardenas (may he rest in peace) was a pioneer who was beyond his years in regards to education, diversity, music and technology. Unfortunately, when he died, so did Villa Alegre. Even as a child, I felt his urgency to want to educate children. My dream has always been to revive the show because there has NEVER been anything like it. Sesame Street is a wonderful educational program however, lacks the depth that Villa Alegre had. The reason why Villa Alegre is no where to be found is because I believe, Dr. Cardenas solely owned the rights to the show. His family has not touched it since his passing. The plethora of shows are locked up in a vault never to see the light of day. All I can say is that Villa Alegre taught me the meaning of diversity and love for education. It was the reason for completing a Masters in Education. I found my calling as a child due to the show and my very first mentor, Dr. Rene Cardenas. Who knows, maybe before my passing, I can find some of the shows that meant so much to us all and share them with you. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Funny to say but, Villa Alegre will always be a part of me. Adios Amigos.