Steampipe Alley is a children's television program that aired on Secaucus, New Jersey station WWOR-TV from February 7, 1988 to April 18, 1993. The program was hosted by comedian Mario Cantone, with announcing duties handled by longtime station staff announcer Ted Mallie (referred to on-air by Cantone as "Don Pardonmeo", a play on the name of another veteran announcer, Don Pardo).
Each episode featured celebrity guests (often encountering other WWOR personalities), recurring segments, comedy sketches and games for its young audience members, with old Looney Tunes and Max Fleischer cartoons rounding out the program.
The series was written by Judy Katschke (who also served as producer), with Rick Derman as senior producer. Its director was Neil Borrell, who served in the same capacity on the station's local newscasts from the mid-1970s until 2005.
Characters
Playing up his comedic persona, Cantone would portray a variety of characters, including: Julia Children, a parody of TV chef Julia Child, who gave recipes for snacks that kids could make at home. Joe Rivers, supposedly the brother of comedian Joan Rivers. Poochano Pavarachi, a parody of Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti, who sang about his bean-induced flatulence problem and presided over the Out of Gas segment (see below). Ciao Aldo, who appeared in mock commercials to promote a line of fragrances that smelled like pasta. Ted Ringer, a stereotypically shady used car salesman who appeared in mock commercials delivering a pitch for the deals available on his "Used and Abused Car Lot". Frankie D, a parody of Frank Sinatra, who was a teacher that gave lessons to his "class" via song. Richie Morales, a neighborhood kid who appeared in the "Something to Think About" segment (see below). Sammy Sammy, Jr., a parody of Sammy Davis Jr. who presided over the "Eye In the Pie" segment (see below). Rex Can Read, a parody of film critic Rex Reed, who co-hosted the "At the Alley" segment (see below). Angelo Antonelli, a stereotypical Italian-American sewer worker who presided over the "Three Sewer Monte" segment (see below).