New York City has been thirsty for rain, reverting to city-wide drought restrictions. Still, it's a pity that Mother Nature would choose to bless the Gotham with a storm on May 2, cancelling the opening day ceremonies for the Broadway Show League's softball games. The first official games will now be held on the Heckscher Softball Fields May 9. The opening ceremonies will be held then at 1 PM on Diamond 2.

The Broadway Show League consists of three leagues — the 11 AM, the 1:30 PM and the 3 PM. Meeting on the first day of play at 11:15 AM are The Full Monty vs. Sweet Smell of Success, 42nd Street vs. Mamma Mia!, Oklahoma vs. Beauty and the Beast, Phantom of the Opera vs. The Lion King and Urinetown vs. Into the Woods. At 1:30 PM, following, the opening ceremonies, are The Goat vs. Aida, The Graduate/The Tale of the Allergist's Wife vs. Rent, Thoroughly Modern Millie vs. Lincoln Center, The Producers vs. Les Miserables and Blue Man Group vs. Roundabout Theatre. Finally, at 3 PM, are Radio City vs. Playwrights Horizons, Shubert Organization vs. Actors Equity, Jujamcyn vs. Actors Federal Credit Union, TREAS 751 vs. Actors Fund and Local One vs. Metropolitan Opera.

In 2002, The Producers took home the Show Champions trophy, while the Shubert Organization were the Broadway champs. Bells Are Ringing won the consolation tournament.

2002 marks the 47th season of the Broadway Softball League, founded by John Effrat of the Actor's Fund. Each year, currently running Broadway shows and other theatrical organization linked to Broadway are eligible to play Thursdays from 11 AM on at the Heckscher Softball Fields in Central Park. Michelob Light, sponsoring the League in 2001, donated $50,000 to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids for the honor.

The Heckscher Softball Fields are located at 63rd and Central Park West. The Broadway Show League is on the web at http://www.broadwayshowleague.com. — By Christine Ehren