'Dawson's Creek' Cast Reunites for Charitable Reading of 1998 Pilot Episode

On September 22, the stars of 'Dawson's Creek' held an emotive reunion at the Richard Rodgers Theater in New York City. In attendance were Michelle Williams, Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, Mary Beth Peil, John Wesley Shipp, Mary-Margaret Humes, Nina Repeta, Kerr Smith, Meredith Monroe and Busy Philipps. Lin-Manuel Miranda filled in for James Van Der Beek who was unable to participate due to illness. The cast recited the 1998 pilot episode.

The event, orchestrated by Michelle Williams, aimed to raise money for the charity F Cancer and to support Van Der Beek, who is currently battling colorectal cancer. He appeared via video before and after the script reading, expressing his gratitude for the support.

A surprise video message was delivered by Steven Spielberg, a hero figure to Dawson throughout the TV series. He said, “Dawson, you made it. Maybe someday, I will get to have a Dawson’s closet.”

At the culmination of the evening, Renée Elise Goldsberry, narrator for the night, had the audience sing along to the theme song, Paula Cole’s “I Don’t Want to Wait”. The cast was joined by Van Der Beek’s daughters and wife to perform the famous song.

The reunion origins can be traced back to an idea of Williams. She then enlisted the help of others including Thomas Kail, her husband and acclaimed Hamilton director, Greg Berlanti, and Jason Moore, who agreed to direct, to bring her vision to life. The eventual selected date for the gathering was based on the schedule convenience of the 'Dawson’s Creek' alumni who displayed a united enthusiasm for the reunion and cause.