Capeside Reunion: Dawson's Creek Cast Stages Pilot Reading for Charity With Special Cameos

For those who missed the rare chance to revisit Capeside live on stage, Us Weekly offers an exclusive look at the 2025 Dawson’s Creek gathering.

Michelle Williams, known for her role as Jen Lindley in the iconic WB series, orchestrated an exclusive, single-evening staged reading of the Dawson's Creek pilot. This event aimed to raise funds for F Cancer, supporting her former colleague James Van Der Beek in his fight against stage III colon cancer. Due to a severe stomach illness, the 48-year-old Van Der Beek was unable to attend, leading Lin Manuel-Miranda to assume the role of Dawson, joining Williams, Katie Holmes (Joey Potter), Joshua Jackson (Pacey Witter), and other cast members. The atmosphere was immediately electric and unforgettable from the moment three of the principal actors appeared on stage at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on Monday, September 22.

James Van Der Beek Makes Two Virtual Appearances!

The evening commenced with a montage of nostalgic photos and clips of the cast displayed on a large screen. Following this, Williams, Holmes, and Jackson made their entrance, prompting an explosion of cheers from the audience, predominantly millennial women who had traveled cross-country for the event. Shortly after, Van Der Beek appeared virtually, conveying his regret at his absence.

"I've anticipated this evening for many months, ever since my dear Michelle Williams first mentioned organizing it. I find it hard to believe I'm not present. It's tough not being able to see my fellow cast members, my wonderful cast, in person," he shared. "My desire is simply to stand on that stage and extend my gratitude to every individual in the theater tonight. This includes everyone from the performers to the production team, and all those who contributed so generously, especially each and every one of you – truly the greatest fans anywhere. Thank you for attending. The dedication you've shown for this event is truly humbling, and I just want to express my thanks. My sincere appreciation goes out to every person here."

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Subsequently, Van Der Beek presented his stand-in, Miranda.

Following Miranda's appearance, the entire ensemble — Mary Beth Peil, John Wesley Shipp, Mary-Margaret Humes, Nina Repeta, Kerr Smith, Meredith Monroe and Busy Philipps — took to the stage.

For a second time, Van Der Beek made a virtual appearance, this time to introduce a musical performance by Norm Lewis. He clarified that while his character, Dawson, was passionate about film, he himself is deeply fond of theater. Van Der Beek revealed that The Phantom of the Opera unexpectedly influenced his portrayal of Dawson, particularly during the third season when Joey chose Pacey.

“Realistically, no one would typically compare these two, yet a significant commonality between Dawson and The Phantom of the Opera lies in their reactions: upon realizing the woman they adored genuinely loved another, both essentially declared, ‘Go to him. Go to him immediately before I reconsider,’” he recounted, then humorously added, “Naturally, only one of these scenarios led to a viral crying face meme.”

Following this, Lewis performed “The Music of the Night” from the renowned Broadway production.

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Truthfully, no one seemed to enjoy themselves more than the Dawson’s Creek cast as they read through the pilot episode. Jackson, notably, was in fits of laughter at multiple lines from the series, starting with Holmes’ embodiment of Joey Potter, hands on hips, as she spoke about Dawson’s "long fingers." His amusement continued with other suggestive remarks in the episode, such as Joey's inquiry to Jen, "Are you a size queen?"

Although each cast member received an enthusiastic welcome for their initial line, the loudest cheers were arguably reserved for Jackson himself, with Peil, also known as Grams, generating nearly as much excitement.

The Roles Meredith Monroe and Kerr Smith Assumed During the Pilot Reading

Given that Monroe’s character Andie and Smith’s character Jack were introduced in season 2, they portrayed different roles on Monday. Monroe delighted the audience as Nellie Oleson (the devout cheerleader whose father owns the local video store, a role originally played by Nicole Nieth). Kerr, meanwhile, tackled a trio of parts: Bodie (Joey’s sister’s partner), Bob (Gail’s co-anchor involved in an affair with her), and Dawson’s cinema instructor.

Busy Philipps Becomes the Undisputed Highlight

Devoted viewers are aware that Philipps joined the series later, portraying Joey’s college roommate Audrey in seasons 5 and 6. At Monday's gathering, she embodied Tamara Jacobs, the English teacher who ultimately shares Pacey's first intimate experience. The palpable chemistry between Jackson and Philipps was undeniable; the duo fully committed to Pacey and Tamara’s kiss, initiating it even before the narrator could set the scene. Philipps skillfully balanced the scandalous nature and comedic elements of the character.

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Katie Holmes’ Tender Interactions With Michelle Williams — And Joshua Jackson

On multiple occasions during the staged reading, Holmes reached for Williams’ hand following a particular scene. The two actresses also shared a warm embrace during the final curtain call. Fans who rooted for Joey and Pacey, meanwhile, will be pleased to learn that Holmes and Jackson exchanged hand-holds several times throughout the night, with Holmes even leaning her head on Jackson’s shoulder during the concluding bows.

Steven Spielberg Makes a Special Appearance

As Dawson’s cinematic idol, Steven Spielberg receives numerous mentions in the pilot episode (and across the entire series). The renowned director contributed a video message for Monday’s occasion. “Dawson, you’ve achieved it,” he stated in his message. “Perhaps one day, I too will acquire a ‘Dawson’s closet.’”

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Broadway star Renée Elise Goldsberry took on the role of narrator for the evening, guiding the assembled group in a collective rendition of the teen drama’s iconic theme, Paula Cole’s “I Don’t Want to Wait.” The heartwarming segment gained an extra layer of poignancy with the participation of Van Der Beek’s family during its concluding moments. (Van Der Beek’s wife, Kimberly, also engaged with fans waiting in line outside the theater both before and after the performance, capturing videos to share with her husband.) Prior to their departure from the stage, the entire cast exchanged heartfelt embraces, and Holmes joyfully danced to Chumbawamba’s “Tubthumping” alongside Philipps and Repeta (who played Bessie, her character’s sister).

Not a single audience member remained tear-free.