The halls of Capeside High may be a distant memory, but the bonds forged on Dawson’s Creek proved stronger than ever on September 22, when the beloved cast reunited for an extraordinary charity event at New York City’s Richard Rodgers Theater. What began as a simple script reading transformed into an emotional evening of nostalgia, love, and unwavering support for their friend and co-star James Van Der Beek, who is currently battling colorectal cancer.
A Creek Family Comes Together
The reunion brought together nearly the entire original cast, creating a powerful sense of homecoming that resonated throughout the theater. Michelle Williams, Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, Mary Beth Peil, John Wesley Shipp, Mary-Margaret Humes, Nina Repeta, Kerr Smith, Meredith Monroe, and Busy Philipps took the stage to perform a live reading of the series’ 1998 pilot episode—the very script that launched their careers and created television history.
The evening’s most poignant moment came through Van Der Beek’s absence and presence simultaneously. Unable to attend due to his ongoing cancer treatment, the actor appeared via video messages that bookended the performance, his emotions clearly visible as he addressed both his castmates and the audience who had gathered to support him.
“I can’t believe I don’t get to hug my cast mates,” Van Der Beek said in his opening message, his voice thick with emotion. “I wanted to stand on that stage and thank every single person in this theater for being here tonight.” The raw vulnerability in his words set the tone for an evening that would celebrate both the show’s legacy and the real-life friendships that endured long after the cameras stopped rolling.
Broadway Magic Meets Creek Nostalgia
Hamilton star Renée Elise Goldsberry served as the evening’s narrator, bringing her Broadway expertise to guide the audience through this unique theatrical experience. Perhaps most surprisingly, Lin-Manuel Miranda stepped in to read Van Der Beek’s iconic Dawson Leery role, adding an unexpected layer of theatrical gravitas to the beloved character’s earnest dialogue.
The choice of the Richard Rodgers Theater—home to Hamilton—proved fitting for an event that blended television nostalgia with live theatrical performance. The venue’s Broadway pedigree elevated the script reading beyond a simple reunion, transforming it into a legitimate theatrical event worthy of the talented cast’s current statures.
Dawson’s Wisdom Meets Broadway Theater
Van Der Beek’s second video appearance provided one of the evening’s most memorable moments, as he drew an unexpectedly profound parallel between his character and musical theater. “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, said, ‘Go to him. Go to him now before I change my mind.’ Only one resulted in a crying face meme,” he said with characteristic wit.
This clever observation led to another surprise: the introduction of Broadway star Norm Lewis, who performed “The Music of the Night” for the captivated audience. The moment beautifully bridged the gap between Van Der Beek’s television legacy and the evening’s Broadway setting, while showcasing the actor’s continued ability to find humor and insight even during his health struggles.
A Hero’s Recognition
The surprises continued when Steven Spielberg—Dawson Leery’s ultimate filmmaking hero throughout the series—appeared via video message to address his fictional protégé directly. “Dawson, you made it. Maybe someday, I will get to have a Dawson’s closet,” the legendary director said, referencing the character’s film-obsessed bedroom that became iconic among fans.
Spielberg’s participation added gravitas to the evening while acknowledging the show’s impact on inspiring young filmmakers. His appearance also served as validation for Van Der Beek’s career journey, providing a full-circle moment that connected the character’s dreams with the actor’s real-life achievements.
The Power of Paula Cole
No Dawson’s Creek reunion would be complete without its defining musical moment, and the evening’s finale delivered in spectacular fashion. Goldsberry gave the audience permission to film as she began singing Paula Cole’s “I Don’t Want to Wait,” the series’ unforgettable theme song that instantly transported everyone back to 1998.
The performance became increasingly emotional as the cast joined in, their voices blending together in a moment of pure nostalgia. But the evening’s most touching moment came when Van Der Beek’s daughters stepped forward to sing verses solo, their young voices carrying forward their father’s legacy while he watched from afar.
The circle completed when Kimberly Van Der Beek and the rest of the family joined the stage, creating a visual representation of how the Dawson’s Creek family had expanded beyond the original cast to include spouses, children, and the extended community that had grown around the show’s enduring impact.
Michelle Williams: The Reunion Architect
According to Variety, the entire reunion was Michelle Williams’ idea—a testament to the genuine affection and loyalty that exists among the cast members. Williams enlisted her husband, Hamilton director Thomas Kail, along with series creator Greg Berlanti to help organize the event. Director Jason Moore signed on to direct the proceedings, ensuring the evening maintained professional theatrical standards.
“Picking a date took some time, but our entire ‘Dawson’s Creek’ family was excited to do this and very accommodating and generous with their time,” the show’s creator revealed. This behind-the-scenes generosity speaks to the authentic relationships that developed during the show’s six-season run and have continued to flourish in the decades since.
More Than Nostalgia: A Mission of Support
While the evening certainly celebrated the show’s lasting impact and provided fans with a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the primary purpose remained focused on supporting Van Der Beek during his cancer battle. The event raised funds for F Cancer while also providing emotional support for both the actor and his family during an incredibly challenging time.
The combination of entertainment and charity work reflected the values that Dawson’s Creek always championed—the importance of friendship, community support, and standing by those you love during difficult times. These themes, which resonated throughout the show’s original run, took on deeper meaning as the cast demonstrated their commitment to each other in real life.
A Legacy That Endures
Twenty-five years after Dawson’s Creek first premiered, the show’s impact continues to reverberate through popular culture and the lives of those who brought it to life. The reunion demonstrated that while the characters may have found their endings, the relationships forged during production remain vibrant and meaningful.
The evening also showcased how the cast has grown both professionally and personally since their Creek days. From Williams’ Oscar-nominated film career to Jackson’s television success, from Holmes’ diverse projects to Van Der Beek’s continued acting and recent reality TV ventures, each cast member has found their own path while maintaining the bonds that began in fictional Capeside.
As fans left the Richard Rodgers Theater, many wiping away tears and clutching memories of an unforgettable evening, they carried with them a reminder of television’s unique power to create lasting connections—not just between characters and audiences, but between the real people who bring those stories to life. The Dawson’s Creek reunion proved that some friendships, like the best television shows, are truly timeless.
