The “Dawson’s Creek” reunion brought fans to their feet at Broadway’s Richard Rodgers Theatre on Monday, September 22, as Michelle Williams, Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, and more original cast members reunited to revisit the iconic teen drama. Cheers filled the theater as Williams, 45, Holmes, 46, and Jackson, 47, slipped back into their beloved roles of Jen, Joey, and Pacey for a live reading of the show’s pilot.
EntertainmentNowWhile DWTS alum and beloved cast member James Van Der Beek was unable to attend due to illness, his presence still resonated in the room when organizers played a touching video message he had recorded for fans and castmates.
Van Der Beek’s Loving Video Message
EntertainmentNow“I can’t believe I’m not there,” Van Der Beek, 48, said in the clip. “I can’t believe I don’t get to hug my cast mates, my beautiful cast in person, and I just wanted to stand on that stage and thank every single person in this theater for being here tonight. From the cast to the crew to everybody who donated their time and has been so generous. And especially every single last one of you. You’re the best fans in the world. Thank you for coming.”
He then teased the surprise of the night — a very special “understudy” stepping in to play Dawson Leery.
Lin-Manuel Miranda Steps in as Dawson
“Now, obviously on Dawson’s Creek, I had an understudy. But this is Broadway,” Van Der Beek joked. He introduced Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda as the one filling in, sparking thunderous applause from the audience.
“But I DO have an understudy. A ridiculously overqualified replacement who would have been #1 on my wishlist (had I ever dreamed he’d be available). Someone my kids would definitely consider an upgrade over me,” Van Der Beek later wrote on Instagram.
Family Support & Cast Tribute
People shared a video that confirmed that although Van Der Beek was grounded in Austin, his wife, Kimberly, made sure he felt included by filming the excited fans waiting outside the theater and sharing the moments with him. Kimberly also confirmed on social media that she attended the reunion with their six children — Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah.
On stage, Williams, Holmes, and Jackson were joined by castmates Mary Beth Peil, John Wesley Shipp, Mary-Margaret Humes, Nina Repeta, Kerr Smith, Meredith Monroe, and Busy Philipps. The night doubled as a fundraiser for F Cancer, turning the reunion into both a heartfelt tribute to Van Der Beek and a meaningful celebration for fans.
