In a heartfelt reunion for the beloved television series Dawson’s Creek, actress Busy Philipps shared insights about the event, which faced a last-minute alteration when star James Van Der Beek was unable to attend. Speaking to Us Weekly while promoting her collaboration with Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Philipps revealed that the cast had prepared a contingency plan in advance.
“We were all really hoping that James would be able to make it, even kind of up until the last second,” Philipps said. She noted that their backup plan involved Broadway star Lin-Manuel Miranda, who stepped in to portray the lead character, Dawson Leery. The reunion took place at the Richard Rogers Theatre in New York City, where Miranda’s own hit musical, Hamilton, is performed. Philipps mentioned that inviting Miranda was an “easy call” due to his friendship with Michelle Williams‘ husband, Thomas Kail.
Reunion Highlights and Surprise Moments
The reunion, held last month, featured cast members including Philipps, Williams, Katie Holmes, and Joshua Jackson, who gathered for a special reading of the show’s pilot script. Although Van Der Beek had to cancel due to illness, his family was present, and his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, attended on his behalf. Van Der Beek is currently battling stage III colon cancer.
Philipps expressed that Van Der Beek was delighted Miranda could join the event, stating, “His kids and family were able to see Hamilton the day before.” The reunion aimed to raise funds for F Cancer, reflecting the cast’s support amid Van Der Beek’s health challenges.
In an engaging twist, the cast performed a sing-along of the show’s iconic theme song, Paula Cole‘s “I Don’t Want to Wait.” Philipps revealed that this surprise moment was orchestrated by Jason Moore, a director who had previously worked with them during the series. “There was a lot of texting back and forth… about how to make it special,” she added, highlighting the collaborative spirit among the cast.
Philipps Takes on a New Role
Interestingly, Philipps did not reprise her original role from the series, as her character, Audrey, was introduced in the fifth season. Instead, she portrayed Tamara Jacobs, a pivotal character in the pilot. During the performance, Philipps humorously noted that she and Jackson had not discussed their on-stage kiss beforehand. “We just have to do it!” she laughed, anticipating the audience’s excited reaction.
The reunion not only focused on nostalgia but also served as a platform for Philipps to raise awareness about ADHD. After her daughter Birdie was diagnosed with the condition, Philipps realized she had it as well. “I think it takes a lot of the shame and stigma away,” she shared, emphasizing the importance of understanding and managing ADHD together with her daughter.
Through her partnership with Supernus Pharmaceuticals, Philipps aims to educate others about ADHD, particularly women and girls, advocating for better diagnosis and treatment options. “When I started to try to figure out what was the right path for me in terms of treatment, it felt like a very natural fit,” she explained.
As the Dawson’s Creek reunion concluded, Philipps expressed a collective sentiment: “We just really wanted it to be special and something that, even though James wasn’t able to be there, he would feel the love from the Richard Rogers Theatre on Broadway all the way to Texas.” The event not only celebrated the show’s legacy but also highlighted the enduring bonds among its cast members, showcasing their commitment to support one another during challenging times.
