Pearl River Store Used as Locale on This Evening's "What Would You Do?"

In February, The Toy Box in Pearl River served as the backdrop for the filming of a segment of ABC’s highly rated primetime show “What Would You Do?”

That segment will lead off the broadcast this evening, which will air locally at 9 p.m. on Channel 7. 

“(The taping) went very well even though we are always at the mercy of the people who come in the store," said ABC News producer C. Michael Kim.  "We look for a diversity of reactions.  Genuine reactions can produce heart warming interactions between people.”

“In this case we used two child actresses, a Caucasian girl with a white nanny and a black girl with a black nanny.  Each adult tried to discourage her charge from looking at dolls of a different race and this drew various reactions from other shoppers.”

Kim noted that the show had visited Orangetown in the past when the American Dream Diner in Blauvelt was used as a locale for a segment. 

“(Orangetown Town Clerk) Charlotte Madigan has been a fantastic resource so we are certainly open to the idea," Kim said of returning to Orangetown for future segments.

During last month’s taping, the owner of The Toy Box, Judy Clements, was behind the sales counter. 

“It was very interesting and didn’t interrupt business very much," Clements said. "There was a good mixture of people and the scenarios were compelling.  Most people are good and open minded.

“The children who were eight and nine years old were excellent.  But it is important for their parents to keep them grounded.  There was very little disruption to the store and the crew was friendly and professional.  Also, just by being here, they brought additional business to the town.”

Clements also showed her appreciation to Madigan. 

“She was lovely," Clements said. "She works well with all these crews and is always very accommodating.  She even came in the day they were taping to make sure that everything was going smoothly.”