The beloved cast of Dawson’s Creek reunited on September 22, 2025, in New York City for a heartfelt and memorable event. Fans of the iconic series were treated to a special reading of the show’s 1998 pilot episode at the Richard Rodgers Theater.
Stars Michelle Williams, Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, Mary Beth Peil, John Wesley Shipp, Mary-Margaret Humes, Nina Repeta, Kerr Smith, Meredith Monroe, and Busy Philipps all took the stage for the reading. Lin-Manuel Miranda stepped in for ailing James Van Der Beek, ensuring the show’s spirit lived on during this poignant gathering.
Hosted by the talented Renée Elise Goldsberry, this meaningful reunion aimed to raise funds for F Cancer, an organization dedicated to cancer awareness and support. Van Der Beek, currently battling colorectal cancer, made emotional video appearances that moved both the cast and audience alike.
In his heartfelt message, Van Der Beek expressed, “I can’t believe I don’t get to hug my cast mates. I wanted to stand on that stage and thank every single person in this theater for being here tonight.” His words resonated deeply, highlighting the enduring bonds formed during their years together.
After the reading of the episode, the evening took an unexpected turn as Van Der Beek returned live on screen. “Now, nobody in their right mind would ever draw a parallel between the two, but one very big similarity is that both Dawson and the ‘Phantom of the Opera’ faced the reality of unrequited love,” he quipped, leading to laughter in the audience. He then invited Norm Lewis to perform “The Music of the Night,” a musical treat that showcased the evening’s theatrical flair.
A stunning surprise came when the legendary Steven Spielberg, a guiding inspiration throughout the series, delivered a heartfelt message. “Dawson, you made it. Maybe someday, I will get to have a Dawson’s closet,” he remarked, delighting both the cast and the audience.
As the night drew to a close, Goldsberry led the audience in a sing-along of Paula Cole’s iconic theme song, “I Don’t Want to Wait.” Joining her were Van Der Beek’s daughters, who performed their own verses, followed by his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and their children, creating a touching family moment.
This memorable reunion was a brainchild of Michelle Williams, who enlisted her husband, Thomas Kail, and several key players from the show’s crew to bring this heartfelt event to life. “From there, others joined the planning party. Jason Moore agreed to direct, and we were off and running,” she revealed, demonstrating the collective excitement and commitment from the entire Dawson’s Creek family.
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