October 7, 1998 (1998-10-07) – September 27, 2004 (2004-09-27)
Out of the Box is an American children's television series which premiered on Playhouse Disney on October 7, 1998, and ended its run on September 27, 2004, with reruns until June 2006 (December 2006 in the UK). The series takes place in "The Box", a playhouse made entirely of cardboard boxes, where two hosts, Tony James and Vivian Bayubay McLaughlin, make crafts, sing songs, and act out plays.
Two special episodes were released on VHS by Walt Disney Home Video, Out of the Box: Trick or Treat, and Out of the Box: Happy Holidays. Trick or Treat is also available on the DVD entitled Rolie Polie Olie: A Spookie Ookie Halloween.[1]
The series was created and executive produced by Douglas Love and was based on his series of books from HarperCollins. Three seasons were filmed at Lifetime Studios in New York City. Production ended in 2001, with the final episodes being broadcast in 2004. The series earned three Parents' Choice Awards for excellence in television and an Emmy nomination.[2][3]
Prior to its release on Disney+, on November 12, 2019, most of the show's episodes were considered lost media due to a lack of home releases.[4]
Overview
Every day, Tony and Vivian take care of a small group of neighborhood children. They come and play in "The Box", a clubhouse made entirely out of cardboard boxes. They do crafts, sing songs, and act out stories revolved around the episode's theme. At the end of the day, either Tony or Vivian walks the kids home while the other recaps the day's events. Every episode ends with Tony and Vivian singing their Goodbye Song. The song is either sung a cappella by Vivian and with Tony tapping on a pumpkin or some other object, but in three episodes Tony plays it on his guitar. In two episodes, the kids join in on the Goodbye Song; after they finish, they wave to the viewers and the camera moves out as a piano ending of the Goodbye Song plays. In one episode, Vivian tells the viewers that she will tell Tony they are thinking of him.
Tony plays his talking drum and everyone moves their feet to the beat. The children also make paintings with their feet and act out their own version of Cinderella.
2
2
"Playhouse Mouse"
October 7, 1998 (1998-10-07)
102
Vivian brings in her new pet mouse, Nugget, to meet everyone. When Jill loses Nugget in the clubhouse, everyone works together find her. Their efforts include asking a cat for advice, building a "Mouse House," and even singing to lure out Nugget. They also act out the story of The Lion and the Mouse.
3
3
"Doctor Octor"
November 23, 1998 (1998-11-23)
103
Brandon just came back from a check-up, this has everyone share their experiences getting check-ups and pretend to be doctors. The kids pretend to have "sticker-itis," visit a doctor in a painting, and build a pretend ambulance. Swampy the Alligator suddenly becomes sick and everyone pitches in to help out.
Jill finds a real live caterpillar and brings it in to show Tony. The children make pretend butterflies and learn about cocoons. They also act out the story of The Fuzzy Worn; a variation of The Ugly Duckling.
5
5
"Hats Off"
November 17, 1998 (1998-11-17)
105
On a rainy day, the kids learn of how hats have many different uses. They visit two baseball players in a painting, build their own hats, and act out the story of Chicken Little.
6
6
"Let's Eat Out"
1999 (1999)
106
An early version of the season two episode “We’re Cooking”. Not aired since 1999 and not available for streaming on Disney+.
7
7
"Sticky Icky"
December 1, 1998 (1998-12-01)
107
Vivian is in the middle of painting a chair when the kids run in almost getting their hand sticky from the wet paint. While Vivian and the kids have fun making a sticky paper picture, Tony comes in and gets stuck on Vivian's chair. After helping to free Tony, they sing songs about stickiness, make sticky capes, and go on a sticky safari.
8
8
"Really Wheely"
November 27, 1998 (1998-11-27)
108
Dane finds an old wagon that's missing a wheel. Everyone helps Dane look for a wheel to fix his wagon. After fixing it, the kids decorate it and go rescue Pogo the Porcupine.
9
9
"Yes and Nose"
October 6, 1998 (1998-10-06)
109
Tony brings in some fresh-baked muffins and hides them to cool off. The kids find the muffins using their noses and must figure out what kind of muffins Tony baked. They learn about noises their noses can make, they also make animal noses out of paper cups and use them to act out a version of “Pinocchio.”
10
10
"Pick-a-Pet"
October 8, 1998 (1998-10-08)
110
Nicholas brings in a toy pet he named Skippy and has to practice taking care of a pet before he is allowed to have a pet of his choice. Everyone offers suggestions of different pets you can have. They sing about having any pet they can imagine, make animal props, and even have Vivian pretend to be a "Kitty Parrot Bunny Dog." They also act out their own version of The Billy Goats Gruff.
11
11
"Ships Ahoy"
October 9, 1998 (1998-10-09)
111
Inspired by Tony's bottle blowing and Dane's snow globe from Jamaica, the kids are curious about things that sink and float. They make cork ships, visit a pirate and learn about ships and water safety, and pretend to be pirates and act out a story where they come across Captain Hook.
12
12
"Animal Antics"
October 26, 1998 (1998-10-26)
112
The kids learn about different animals.
13
13
"Tube Town"
October 23, 1998 (1998-10-23)
113
After a shelf full of cardboard tubes falls, everyone has fun thinking of things that can be made of tubes. They make tube instruments, tube shaped costumes, and pretend to live in a town made of tubes.
Jill's glider crashes into the clubhouse, so Vivian helps her fix it. While waiting for the glue to dry, everyone pretends they can fly, make paper parachutes, and act out a story about Peter Pan.
15
15
"Campout Kids"
November 9, 1998 (1998-11-09)
115
Tony and Vivian takes the kids on a pretend campout. They go on a hike, run into poison ivy, go fishing, and tell the story of Little Red Riding Hood's birthday.
Note: This was the first of three episodes to have the Goodbye Song played on the guitar. The others were "Sing a Song" and "It's Mothers Day".
16
16
"Tall and Small"
November 13, 1998 (1998-11-13)
116
Dane brings in a toy car, so Vivian and the kids make a tiny town for Dane's car. The kids pretend to be giants and to be tiny. They also learn about different sizes and how each size is perfect, and act out a version of Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
17
17
"Day at the Beach"
October 14, 1998 (1998-10-14)
117
Tony is playing with his ocean drum which inspires them to have a pretend beach day. They make a pretend beach, make ocean drums, visit a crab and octopus, and play out a story about an octopus, crab, and a fisherman.
18
18
"A Place Called Space"
November 3, 1998 (1998-11-03)
118
While admiring Vivian's space mobile, the kids are inspired to learn about space. They pretend to go into space, make space mobiles, and tell the story of Why the Sun and Moon Live in the Sky.
19
19
"Box Full of Boxes"
October 30, 1998 (1998-10-30)
119
Finding leftover boxes from when they built the clubhouse, the kids learn of the many different things that can be done with boxes. Along with making a gingerbread house, they act out a version of Hansel and Gretel.
20
20
"Hands On"
November 18, 1998 (1998-11-18)
120
While making hand binoculars, Aleisha shows everyone sign language. The kids also learn of other gestures and noises that can be done with just their hands. They also make paper mittens and act out the story of The Three Little Kittens.
Tony, Aleisha, Brandon and Cece spend a day at the clubhouse without Vivian, who is busy taking her mother to a doctor’s appointment and is unable to come. They reminisce about past times and make a present for Viv to give to her mom. Viv arrives in time to take the kids home but let’s them visit her mom and give her the present, while Tony stays behind to give the closing message to the viewers and sing the goodbye song. This episode is partially an early version of the season two episode “Revealing Feelings”, and for this reason was never rerun after season two premiered. Not available for streaming on Disney+.
Note: This is the only episode in which Vivian is absent.
An early version of the season two episode “Treasure Hunt”. Not aired since 1999 and not available for streaming on Disney+.
23
23
"Circle Circus"
October 20, 1998 (1998-10-20)
123
While playing with hula hoops, Aleisha admits the she doesn't know how to. To encourage her, they visit a circus lion and sing her an encouraging song. This leads them to making circle themed costumes and put on their own Circle Circus starring Humpty Dumpty.
Vivian shows off the bean plants she grew from a week before. Tony and Vivian then teach the kids about seeds; how they grown, what they need to grown, and where they come from. They make newspaper trees and use them to act out the story of Matt and The Beanstalk.
Season 2 (1999–2000)
No. overall
No. in season
Title
Original air date
Prod. code
25
1
"Rules Rule!"
July 20, 1999 (1999-07-20)
201
After a hammock of a variety of balls falls, everyone pitches in to help put them away. While cleaning, Nicholas, Celine, and Aleisha are tempted to play with the balls inside the clubhouse. However, they realized that most ball games are for outside instead of inside. The trio come up with a game called Rolly Moo, learn the importance of having rules for games, rules for outdoor & indoor ball games, and act out a version of Cinderella explaining the origins of Rolly Moo.
26
2
"We're Cooking!"
July 21, 1999 (1999-07-21)
202
The children pretend to cook their favorite foods. They also act out a version of the story Stone Soup.
27
3
"Zip, Button, Snap"
July 18, 1999 (1999-07-18)
203
Tony and Vivian help teach the children how to button, snap, buckle and zipper using songs and play-acting. Nick also visits Queen Elisabeth I and they play their own version The Emperors New Clothes
28
4
"Scrub-a-Dub"
July 22, 1999 (1999-07-22)
204
Tony and Vivian teach the importance of bathing as the children make pretend bathtubs and bath toys, and act out a version of Rub a Dub, Dub, Three Men in a Tub.
29
5
"Disguise Surprise"
July 23, 1999 (1999-07-23)
205
The children dress up in disguises and act out a version of The Little Red Riding Hood.
30
6
"Good Clean-Up Fun"
July 26, 1999 (1999-07-26)
206
The children learn about sorting and organizing items while cleaning up the clubhouse. They also act out a story called "Neat Nick".
31
7
"Mirror, Mirror"
July 27, 1999 (1999-07-27)
207
The children play with different kinds of mirrors, including a hand mirror, a hubcap and a metal tray. They also act out a version of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
32
8
"Blowin' in the Wind"
July 28, 1999 (1999-07-28)
208
The children celebrate the wind by playing wind instruments, listening to wind chimes, making pinwheels and playing out a version of The Three Little Pigs.
33
9
"Rock-a-Bye Baby"
July 29, 1999 (1999-07-29)
209
The children take care of pretend babies by diapering them, making their cribs and singing to them. They also act out a version of There was an Old Lady Who Lived in a Shoe.
34
10
"Feathered Friends"
July 30, 1999 (1999-07-30)
210
The children craft paper birds and make bird sounds after Vivian brings in a bird feeder to hang outside the playhouse. They also act out a version of the Emperor and the Nightingale.
35
11
"Eye Spy"
August 16, 1999 (1999-08-16)
211
The children explore how their eyes work by playing an "Eye Detective" game, visiting Giuseppe Arcimboldo, looking at a picture with hidden objects, and helping Vivian complete a jigsaw puzzle. They also act out a version of The Tortoise and the Hare.
36
12
"We Got the Beat"
August 23, 1999 (1999-08-23)
212
The children learn about sounds and music by listening to a metronome, making their own instruments, and acting out a version of Hansel and Gretel.
37
13
"Shadow Play"
August 30, 1999 (1999-08-30)
213
The children make a shadow puppet theater and put on a play featuring a bird, a worm, and a spider.
38
14
"Goin' Buggy"
September 6, 1999 (1999-09-06)
214
The children learn about bugs by making a grasshopper, a spider, and an ant out of pipe cleaners and egg cartons. They also act out a version of The Ants and the Grasshopper.
39
15
"Make 'Em Laugh!"
September 13, 1999 (1999-09-13)
215
The children have a "Make 'em Laugh" day by telling jokes, walking funny and doing other silly things. They also talk with a court jester and turn Vivian into a backwards person.
40
16
"Mon-stir It Up!"
September 20, 1999 (1999-09-20)
216
The children sing a song about not being afraid and make a "Super Monster" puppet.
41
17
"Whose Home?"
September 27, 1999 (1999-09-27)
217
Vivian brings a hermit crab to the clubhouse and teaches the children about different animal homes.
42
18
"Unicornucopia"
October 6, 1999 (1999-10-06)
218
Vivian brings over a gift she made to give to Tony's mom. While everyone is playing, Nicholas and Celine accidentally break Vivian's gift and decide to hide the truth. They create magical creatures out of clay and use them to act out a version of The Boy Who Cried Wolf.
43
19
"Tooth or Consequences"
October 11, 1999 (1999-10-11)
219
The children learn about the dentist and caring for teeth. They also act out a version of Little Red Riding Hood.
44
20
"Trick or Treat"
October 21, 1999 (1999-10-21)
220
The children dress up and learn the importance of how to trick-or-treat safely and how to customize their own pumpkins.
45
21
"Down on the Farm"
November 12, 1999 (1999-11-12)
221
The children pretend to live on a farm.
46
22
"Pajama Party"
November 15, 1999 (1999-11-15)
222
The children throw a pretend pajama party.
47
23
"Treasure Hunt"
October 26, 1999 (1999-10-26)
223
The children make treasure chests and go on a treasure hunt. They also act out a version of King Midas to learn about nonmaterial kinds of treasure.
48
24
"Out to Lunch"
October 31, 1999 (1999-10-31)
224
Vivian tells everyone about the restaurant she went to last night and brings everyone a treat from there. Everyone shares their own experience going to a restaurant and are inspired to open a pretend restaurant. They make pretend food, learn how to use good manners while dining in a restaurant, and come up with a story about Simple Simon opening a restaurant and how to treat guests.
49
25
"Whodunit?"
November 27, 1999 (1999-11-27)
225
The children use their problem-solving skills to solve a mystery. Then they act out a version of Rumpelstiltskin.
50
26
"Goin' to the Grocery"
December 8, 1999 (1999-12-08)
226
The children pretend about going to the grocery store.
51
27
"Sing a Song"
December 13, 1999 (1999-12-13)
227
Vivian has trouble singing "When the Saints Go Marching In" so the kids need to figure out the missing lyrics.
Note: This was one of three episodes to have the Goodbye Song played on the guitar. The others were "Campout Kids" and "It's Mothers Day".
52
28
"Happy Holidays!"
December 6, 1999 (1999-12-06)
228
Tony and Vivian host a winter holiday party and learn about the children's different holiday traditions. They also make a holiday gift book containing photographs and drawings, and perform a version of The Gift of the Magi.
Note: With five kids, this is the only episode to feature more than the usual three. It is also the first time that the kids join in the goodbye song. The second was "Revealing Feelings".
53
29
"Rainbow Colors"
December 16, 1999 (1999-12-16)
229
The children play with colors.
54
30
"Family Fare"
December 29, 1999 (1999-12-29)
230
When Vivian brings her dollhouse to the clubhouse, the gang talk about their homes and families and then act out a sequel to Cinderella.
55
31
"Happy Birthday to Us!"
January 7, 2000 (2000-01-07)
231
The children pretend that it is everyone's birthday by putting on dress-up clothes, playing musical chairs and making party decorations. Then they act out a version of The Little Red Hen.
56
32
"Revealing Feelings"
January 11, 2000 (2000-01-11)
232
Tony is home sick so Vivian has to watch the kids by herself. She uncharacteristically tries to distract them from their feelings which results in Celine arguing with Aleisha. Vivian helps the kids talk about their feelings about Tony's absence, make him get well cards, and act out the importance of sharing feelings with a rendition of "Cinderella."
Note: This is the only episode in which Tony is absent. It is also the second time that the kids join in the goodbye song. The first was "Happy Holidays".
Season 3 (2002–2004)
No. overall
No. in season
Title
Original air date
Prod. code
57
1
"Pattern Pattern"
December 2, 2003 (2003-12-02)
301
The children play with patterns. Then they act out a version of The Three Little Pigs.
The gang hops like frogs, makes their own frogs, and acts out a version of The Frog Prince.
59
3
"Join the Parade"
December 2, 2002 (2002-12-02)
303
Tony, Vivian, and the children have their own parade. Then they act out a story where Little Bo Peep, Little Boy Blue, and The Little Red Hen (Rooster) have one.
60
4
"Winning the Gold"
December 9, 2002 (2002-12-09)
304
The children hold their own Olympics. Then they act out a version of the story of Hercules.
61
5
"Brick by Brick"
December 16, 2002 (2002-12-16)
305
The children build a town as pretend construction workers. Then they act out a version of The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe.
The children rehearse their performance and make personalized invitations to their mothers.
Note: This was the last of three episodes to have the Goodbye Song played on the guitar, only this time on a lower key. The others were "Campout Kids" and "Sing a Song".
66
10
"Listen Up!"
March 3, 2003 (2003-03-03)
310
The children learn the differences between loud and soft sounds. Then they act out a version of The Country Mouse and the City Mouse.
67
11
"Thinkin' Lincoln"
December 16, 2002 (2002-12-16)
311
The children talk about Abraham Lincoln and learn what it means to be a great leader. Then they act out a story of Abe getting a vice president.
68
12
"Horsing Around"
March 10, 2003 (2003-03-10)
312
The children learn how to pretend to be horses and act out their version of how The Pony Express (and then horseshoes) was invented.
69
13
"Making Mistakes"
March 17, 2003 (2003-03-17)
313
The group makes up mistakes. Then they act out a sequel to Cinderella where her prince and fairy godmother makes mistakes.
70
14
"Tickets, Please!"
March 24, 2003 (2003-03-24)
314
The children are playing carnival games. They also act out a story about the Three Billy Goats Gruff getting stopped by a competitive troll on the way to a carnival.
71
15
"Pop to It!"
May 10, 2004 (2004-05-10)
315
The children have fun with popcorn and go on a make-believe trip to the movies.
^Title misspelled in the copyright registry as "Wonderful World"
References
^Rolie Polie Olie. / A spookie ookie Halloween (DVD video, 2003) [WorldCat.org]. OCLC52964798. Playhouse Disney bonuses: Out of the box: Trick or treat
^McClintock, Pamela; Oei, Lily (2004-03-04). "Ellen the talk of Emmys". Variety. Retrieved 2011-07-12. Directing In a Children's Series: ... "Out Of The Box" (Dis)
