Busy Philipps recently shared exciting behind-the-scenes insights from the highly anticipated reunion of *Dawson’s Creek*, which took place at the Richard Rogers Theatre in New York City. The event, held in March 2024, featured the original cast members reprising their roles and included a special reading of the pilot script. Philipps discussed how the cast adapted when James Van Der Beek announced he would be unable to attend due to illness.
“We were all really hoping that James was going to be able to make it even kind of up until the last second,” Philipps, 46, told Us Weekly. “We just had a contingency plan in place.” With Van Der Beek sidelined, the cast reached out to Lin-Manuel Miranda, the renowned creator of *Hamilton*, who stepped in to play the role of Dawson Leery. Philipps noted that it was an “easy call” to ask Miranda, given his close friendship with Michelle Williams‘ husband, Thomas Kail.
Philipps expressed gratitude that Van Der Beek’s family was able to attend the performance, especially since his children had the chance to see *Hamilton* the day before. “James was also very thrilled that Lin was able to step in. We just had to figure out how it was going to be the best version of a thing,” she explained.
Reunion Highlights and Special Moments
The reunion gathered not only Philipps, Williams, and Van Der Beek but also Katie Holmes and Joshua Jackson, among others, who came together to celebrate the beloved teen drama. The event served as a fundraiser for the charity F Cancer, which supports cancer awareness and research. Although Van Der Beek was unable to participate due to his ongoing battle with stage III colon cancer, his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, was present to support the cause.
In addition to the script reading, the cast performed a sing-along to the show’s iconic theme song, Paula Cole’s “I Don’t Want to Wait.” Philipps revealed that this surprise moment was orchestrated by theater director Jason Moore, who had previously worked with the cast. “There was a lot of texting back and forth the week before… about what do we do with the song, and how do we make it special?” she said.
Philipps added that incorporating Van Der Beek’s children into the performance was a joyful decision. “James’ children are really amazing singers,” she remarked, highlighting the collaborative effort that made the reunion feel special. “We just really wanted it to be something that, even though James wasn’t able to be there, he would feel the love from the Richard Rogers Theatre all the way to Texas.”
Philipps’ Advocacy and Personal Journey
Interestingly, Philipps was one of the few cast members who did not reprise her original role during the reunion. Instead, she portrayed Tamara Jacobs, a character from the show’s early seasons. The moment she recreated a kiss with Jackson, who played Pacey Witter, drew cheers from the audience. “I think anytime you kiss Josh Jackson, people are going to scream,” she laughed, acknowledging the spontaneous nature of the performance.
While the reunion focused on celebrating *Dawson’s Creek*, Philipps also shared her commitment to raising awareness for ADHD. After her daughter, Birdie, was diagnosed with the condition, Philipps recognized her own struggles with ADHD and began advocating for better understanding and treatment options. She has partnered with Supernus Pharmaceuticals to discuss her experiences and promote education on ADHD, particularly for women and girls.
“When I started to try to figure out what was the right path for me in terms of treatment, I found that Calvary, a non-stimulant medication, really worked for me,” she explained. Philipps emphasized the importance of conversations surrounding ADHD and aims to reduce stigma around the condition. “There’s nothing wrong with her. It’s just different,” she said, reflecting on her journey with her daughter’s diagnosis.
The reunion not only celebrated the legacy of *Dawson’s Creek* but also served as a heartfelt reminder of the ongoing struggles and triumphs faced by its cast members, particularly in light of Van Der Beek’s health challenges. As Philipps concluded, the event was a blend of nostalgia, camaraderie, and a powerful message of resilience and support.
