The beloved cast of “Dawson’s Creek” gathered on September 22 for a heartwarming and emotional reunion at the Richard Rodgers Theater in New York City. This special event featured stars including Michelle Williams, Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, Mary Beth Peil, John Wesley Shipp, Mary-Margaret Humes, Nina Repeta, Kerr Smith, Meredith Monroe, and Busy Philipps, who united to read the iconic pilot episode from 1998.
Due to health concerns, James Van Der Beek was unable to attend the reunion in person; however, Lin-Manuel Miranda graciously stepped in to take his place. The evening was narrated by the talented Renée Elise Goldsberry, and it aimed to raise funds for F Cancer, a charity close to Van Der Beek's heart as he battles colorectal cancer.
Throughout the event, Van Der Beek appeared via video message, expressing his heartfelt gratitude and emotion. “I can’t believe I don’t get to hug my cast mates,” he shared, visibly choked up. “I wanted to stand on that stage and thank every single person in this theater for being here tonight.” His touching words resonated with fans and cast members alike, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.
After the script reading, Van Der Beek returned to the screen with a humorous yet poignant comparison: “Now, nobody in their right mind would ever draw a parallel between the two, but one very big similarity between Dawson and the ‘Phantom of the Opera’ is that both of them were faced with the reality that the woman they loved truly loved somebody else.” He humorously concluded with, “Only one resulted in a crying face meme,” which brought laughter from the audience.
In a delightful surprise, Steven Spielberg, who played a significant role in the inspiration for the series, made a special appearance via video. He congratulated the cast with a heartfelt message, saying, “Dawson, you made it. Maybe someday, I will get to have a Dawson’s closet.” This unexpected moment added a layer of nostalgia and excitement to the evening.
As the night drew to a close, Goldsberry encouraged the audience to capture the moment on video, leading a sing-along of the iconic theme song, Paula Cole’s “I Don’t Want to Wait”. The entire cast joined in, along with Van Der Beek’s daughters, who performed verses solo. The heartwarming moment was further enriched by the presence of his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and their children, creating a beautiful family atmosphere on stage.
This emotional reunion not only celebrated the legacy of “Dawson’s Creek” but also highlighted the strength of camaraderie and support among the cast, fans, and the fight against cancer.
