Dawson’s Creek” Cast Reunites for Special Broadway Benefit to Support James Van Der Beek

Published: 24 September 2025. The English Chronicle Desk

In a heartfelt and star-studded gesture, the cast of the iconic television series Dawson’s Creek will reunite on Broadway for a live reading of the show’s 1998 pilot episode, raising funds for F Cancer and to support James Van Der Beek, who was recently diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer. The event, taking place at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York City on September 22, marks a poignant celebration of both the show’s enduring legacy and the resilience of its cast and fans.

The initiative was sparked by Michelle Williams, who reached out to series creator Kevin Williamson shortly after Van Der Beek’s announcement of his diagnosis. “I jumped at the idea,” Williamson told Variety exclusively. Williams’ outreach soon brought together a coalition of original cast members, producers, and directors, including Thomas Kail and Greg Berlanti, ensuring that the reunion would honor the spirit of the show while contributing meaningfully to cancer awareness and support. Jason Moore, a seasoned theater director, has signed on to oversee the live reading, ensuring that the evening will blend nostalgia with theatrical precision.

Attendees of the reunion will include Van Der Beek himself, Williams, Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, Mary Beth Peil, John Wesley Shipp, Mary-Margaret Humes, and Nina Repeta. Also participating are Kerr Smith, Meredith Monroe, and Busy Philipps, who joined the series after its first season but will take on different roles from the original pilot episode. The evening promises to capture both the charm of the series’ early episodes and the warmth of its off-screen friendships, which remain as strong today as they were at the show’s inception.

Adding a theatrical flourish to the proceedings, Renée Elise Goldsberry, an original cast member of Hamilton, will serve as the narrator for the event. Her involvement is particularly fitting, given her connection to Thomas Kail, Williams’ husband and the director of Hamilton. This return to the Richard Rodgers Theatre links two landmark productions while lending a sense of prestige and theatrical gravitas to the reunion.

Tickets for the event initially sold out within minutes, underscoring the enduring affection fans hold for the series. Due to overwhelming demand, additional tickets have now been made available through BroadwayDirect.com, with prices ranging from $199 to $1,500. In addition to ticket sales, a charity auction on CharityBuzz.com features a variety of unique items donated by the cast and producers. Among the auction highlights are a private dinner in New York City with Michelle Williams and Busy Philipps, the original oil painting used as inspiration for the reunion poster, and personal memorabilia from key episodes, such as Gail’s earrings from the iconic “Anti-Prom” storyline.

Other auction items include individual Zoom sessions with creators and producers including Greg Berlanti, Kevin Williamson, and Julie Plec, providing fans with rare insight into Dawson’s Creek, Scream, and We Were Liars. Collectors and superfans can also bid on a limited-edition, hand-signed Hirschfeld lithograph of the cast, numbered seven in the series, further enhancing the event’s appeal. Williamson confirmed that more items would be added to the auction over the following week, reflecting the generosity of the cast and production team in supporting Van Der Beek and F Cancer.

Fans attending the event will also have the opportunity to participate in photo sessions with the cast after the stage reading. Each photo-op ticket, priced at $650, includes a digital photo with up to two fans per session. While personal photography is not permitted during the event, the structured opportunity allows attendees to capture a memorable keepsake while maintaining the integrity and flow of the live reading. Event tickets are required to access the photo sessions.

Williamson expressed his gratitude and admiration for both the cast and the fans. “I’m so grateful and excited that everyone is coming together for one night to honor James and F Cancer,” he said. He also hinted at special surprises during the evening, ensuring that the reunion will offer moments of delight and nostalgia alongside its charitable mission.

For Van Der Beek, the reunion represents more than just a return to the screen; it is a testament to the community and camaraderie that the show fostered, both on and off camera. After nearly three decades since the series first aired, the cast’s willingness to come together for a meaningful cause underscores the enduring bonds formed during the filming of Dawson’s Creek and the lasting impact the show continues to have on audiences worldwide.

The event is not merely a nostalgic gathering but a celebration of resilience, friendship, and the enduring power of storytelling. By bringing together the cast, the creative team, and fans in a shared experience, the Dawson’s Creek reunion highlights how popular culture can intersect with real-world causes to create meaningful, life-affirming moments.

As tickets and auction items remain available, fans and collectors are encouraged to secure their place in what promises to be a historic night on Broadway. For Van Der Beek and his supporters, the event represents both hope and solidarity, demonstrating the entertainment industry’s capacity to rally behind its own while also engaging with pressing social causes.

In reflecting on the reunion, Williamson noted the overwhelming response from the public. “I was blown away by the reaction,” he said. “I’m so thrilled our show has made such a lasting impact and continues to resonate with fans today.” Indeed, the speed at which tickets sold out and the enthusiasm surrounding the auction underscore Dawson’s Creek’s enduring cultural relevance.

As the Richard Rodgers Theatre prepares to welcome the reunited cast and a legion of devoted fans, the evening promises to blend the magic of Broadway with the timeless charm of a beloved television series. The pilot reading, the special auction, and the photo opportunities together create an experience that honors both Van Der Beek’s journey and the legacy of Dawson’s Creek, offering a night of reflection, entertainment, and meaningful philanthropy.