Toy Box Hosts Prime Time TV

Primetime television came to Pearl River last weekend when ABC’s highly-rated “What Would You Do?” used The Toy Box as a back drop for an upcoming segment. 

Hosted by long-time ABC News veteran John Quinones, the show employs hidden cameras and actors to pose ethical dilemmas for unsuspecting people as a means to make important statements regarding contemporary social issues. 

None of the patrons who ventured into The Toy Box on Central Avenue last Friday and Saturday knew that they were stepping into scenes formulated to illustrate varying attitudes on race and racial stereotypes in today’s society. From a production truck parked in the lot behind the store, the program’s producers instructed the actors in the roles they would play.  At their conclusion, Mr. Quinones introduced himself to the participants and elicited their responses as to how they reacted and the effect of the interaction.

“What Would You Do” airs on Fridays at 9 p.m. and serves as a lead in to the long-running “20-20.”  When asked why he chose Pearl River as a locale, Producer C. Michael Kim commented, “I’ve worked in this town before and there are a number of independent businesses which we prefer over stores that are part of large chains.  It is a lot easier to deal directly with the owner.”

One of the actresses participating in the day’s tapings was New York City-based Pearl Thomas, who said that she enjoys this assignment. 

“The key is integrating myself in to the situation—to step out of what I am for a time," Thomas said.

Produced by ABC News, Executive Producer Geoff Martz commented that the show “is being used as a learning tool by high schools and colleges because the series focuses on critical issues including discrimination and child abuse.””

Quinones quite obviously relishes his role on “What Would You Do?” 

“It’s fascinating to see how people respond to different scenarios--scenarios that shatter widely held images," Quinones said. " You can’t judge people by the way they look.  In one of our segments it may be a guy who looks like a skinhead who emerges as the hero.

“I love being constantly surprised and to see how passionately people respond to an issue."

These are themes that he also addresses in his recent book, “Heroes Among Us” (Harper Collins).

Kim said that, “It is the courage shown every day by average people” that continues to amaze him.  Martz indicated that while an air date for the segment has not been finalized, it is typically no more than a month after taping.

Check back with Patch for more information on the segment.