Baldwin ? Youngsters here are showing their patriotism as they prepare to perform the first-ever Baldwin City Theatre all-children’s show, “Our Country Tis of Thee.”

The show runs Thursday -Saturday. Citizens for Baldwin City will provide free family games and activities after the show.

Sue Pouliot, the show’s producer, said rehearsals for the show are running smoothly.

“Every song they sing and dance,” she said. “Some kids are learning new skills they didn’t know they had.”

Pouliot said Baldwin City Theatre planned to do a children’s show because the group originally picked “West Side Story,” which has no parts for children, as its summer production.

When the theater decided against doing “West Side Story,” it opted for the children’s show to see if it would be successful.

“It could turn into something more,” said Connie Richardson, the show’s director. “At this point it’s just this summer, but … I’ve seen a lot of talented kids.”

Nineteen children, ages 6-13, are involved with the show, which as written in the 1950s and is based on the history of the United States. Richardson said she added material to cover the end of the 1900s.

“I brought it up to date,” she said.

The group began rehearsals June 11 and have been rehearsing five days a week for three hours a day.

“Now we’re just polishing,” Richardson said. “I’ve been really impressed with the way they’ve learned.”

Four of Richardson’s six children are involved in the musical. Alison Richardson, Connie’s 12-year-old daughter, said she enjoyed learning about the United States.

“It’s fun to share what I’ve learned with others,” Alison said.

Because the show opens on the Fourth of July holiday and because of the events that occurred on Sept. 11, the musical’s theme is perfect, Richardson said.

“A lot of patriotism is being shown,” she said. “It really touches the tones of hearts in everyone right now.”