On September 22, 2025, fans of the beloved teen drama Dawson’s Creek gathered at New York City’s Richard Rodgers Theatre for a one-night-only reunion event. Organized by Michelle Williams, the evening aimed to raise funds for F Cancer, a charity supporting cancer research and awareness. The event was particularly poignant as it honored James Van Der Beek, who portrayed Dawson Leery on the show and is currently battling stage 3 colorectal cancer.
Van Der Beek had to cancel his in-person appearance due to contracting two stomach viruses. In a heartfelt video message played during the event, he expressed his disappointment at missing the reunion and introduced Lin-Manuel Miranda as his “understudy” for the evening. Miranda, known for his Broadway success with Hamilton, stepped in to read Van Der Beek’s lines during a live reading of the show’s pilot episode.
Despite his absence, Van Der Beek’s presence was felt throughout the evening. His wife, Kimberly, and their six children attended the event, with their daughters performing a surprise solo of the show’s iconic theme song, “I Don’t Want to Wait.” The cast, including Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, and Busy Philipps, shared stories and memories from their time on the show, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and support.
The reunion not only celebrated the legacy of Dawson’s Creek but also highlighted the importance of community and support during challenging times. Fans and cast members alike came together to honor Van Der Beek’s contributions to the series and to raise awareness for cancer research.