They didn’t want to wait, after all.
Before “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” there was the Dawson.
Originally slated to perform his titular role in a one-night-only charity event, James Van Der Beek ultimately backed out of the Capeside High Reunion at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on September 22nd.
The Broadway stage was nevertheless transported to simpler, 1990s times on Monday night.
Suffering from a stomach virus and his greater colorectal cancer battle, Van Der Beek announced he was “gutted” but pleased to introduce “up-and-comer” Lin-Manuel Miranda in his stead. The “Hamilton” brainchild reportedly held his own during the live read-through of the "Dawson's Creek" pilot.
Christening the next era of teen melodrama upon its 1998 debut, the inaugural season sees Dawson torn between the girl next door (Katie Holmes), the new girl in town (Michelle Williams) and his budding filmmaking career.
The rest of the original cast also reprised their roles, while later-season arrivals stepped into different shoes. Busy Phillips shared a memorable smooch with Joshua Jackson as the notorious Ms. Jacobs.
Proceeds—drawn from $500–$1,500 tickets—went to “F— Cancer” and Van Der Beek.
The “Varsity Blues” star looked gaunt in a pre-taped surprise wherein his words inspired hearts to run like mad across the venue.
“I can’t believe I don’t get to see my cast mates, my beautiful cast in person,” he said, expressing his gratitude for everyone’s generosity. “...you are the best fans in the world.”
Van Der Beek’s daughters, Olivia, 14, and Emilia, 9, led a rendition of the show’s anthemic theme, “I Don’t Want to Wait” by Paula Cole.
Even Dawson’s hero, Steven Spielberg, video-called in to say: “Dawson, you made it… Maybe someday, I will get to have a Dawson’s closet.”
James: We sure hope you make it too, and wish you a speedy recovery.