James Van Der Beek and ‘Dawson’s Creek’ Cast to Reunite for Cancer Benefit

The cast of Dawson’s Creek will reunite for a live reading of the hit teen drama’s 1998 pilot episode next month to help raise money for F Cancer and James Van Der Beek, who’s currently battling cancer.

As Variety reports, Van Der Beek — who starred as the titular Dawson Leery — will take part in the live reading, as will his big name co-stars Katie Holmes (who played Dawson’s best friend, Joey), Michelle Williams (Dawson’s neighbor, Jen), and Joshua Jackson (Dawson’s other best friend, Pacey).

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“We grew up in Capeside, and that’s a bond that will last a lifetime,” Williams said in a statement. “We wanted to gather around our dear friend James and remind him that we are all here. We always have been, and we always will be. And I know the fans of Dawson’s Creek feel the same way.”

Additional cast members set to participate include Mary Beth Peil, John Wesley Shipp, Mary-Margaret Humes, Nina Repeta, Kerr Smith, Meredith Monroe, and Busy Philipps. While Philipps, Smith, and Monroe all joined Dawson’s Creek later in the show’s run, they’ll be on hand to fill in for other roles in the pilot episode.

The benefit will take place Sept. 22 at the Richard Rodgers Theater in New York City. Jason Moore, who directed several episodes of Dawson’s Creek during its original run, will direct the live reading. Series creator Kevin Williamson will serve as one of the show’s producers. Tickets will be available via BroadwayDirect.

“I am so excited to reunite with James, Michelle, Katie, Joshua, and our Dawson’s Creek family for such a special night,” Williamson said. “Dawson’s Creek changed my life. What began as a personal story about a young man and his friends navigating their way through the challenges of life became so much more than I ever dreamed. It created an enduring fandom and legacy all over the world. I am so honored to be a part of it and to support our beautiful friend, James, as we continue to navigate our way through life and its many challenges.”

Van Der Beek revealed that he’d been diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer last November, saying of his prognosis at the time, “There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good.” Since then, he’s spoken about undergoing treatment and changing his lifestyle, telling Today at the end of July, “I’m just on the journey… It’s a process. It’ll probably be a process for the rest of my life.”

Even with the diagnosis, Van Der Beek has continued to work. He just appeared in two episodes of the Amazon comedy series Overcompensating and has a recurring role in the upcoming Legally Blonde prequel series Elle.

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