The opportunity to reprise his iconic lead role from “Dawsonâs Creek” at a long-awaited cancer benefit live show in New York City was significant to James Van Der Beek, who is currently battling cancer himself.
Unfortunately, illness has prevented the actor from performing. His understudy? A-Lister and 3-time Tony Award winner Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Van Der Beek shared this news on his Instagram the evening of Sunday, September 21. The reunion is set to take place on Monday, September 22.
The “Dancing with the Stars” alum admitted that two stomach viruses have left him bedridden in Austin, Texas, keeping him from joining his castmates and fans at the benefit performance.
Van Der Beek expressed his deep dismay at missing the opportunity to thank friends, family, and fans for showing up for him and other cancer survivors when he needed it most. Still, the beloved actor reassured supporters that the show would go on, with an âoverqualified understudyâ filling in for him.
“Can’t believe I just got to type that,” Van der Beek wrote.
The 90s star admitted Miranda would have been #1 on his wishlist for the iconic role of Dawson had he not thought himself available.
“[He’s] someone my kids would definitely consider an upgrade over me,” Van der Beek wrote. “Plus, he already knows how to get to the theater. So thatâs convenient.”
Miranda’s award-winning musical Hamilton began playing at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on August 6, 2015, and the theatre remains home to the Broadway show.
Van Der Beek’s one-night-only charity event will also take place at the Richard Rodgers Theatre.
Dawsonâs Creek Cast Reunites for a Special Cause
The event, titled “The Dawson’s Creek Class Reunion,” marks the first time the cast will reunite on stage since the original series wrapped in May of 2003.
According to “Broadway Direct,” show stars including Michelle Williams, Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, and Busy Phillips will reunite on stage for a live reading of the showâs pilot episode to benefit F Cancer and James Van Der Beek.
F Cancer self-describes as a nonprofit organization that focuses on prevention, early detection, and support for those affected by cancer.
Van Der Beek credits his “angel” co-star Michelle Williams with putting the live show together.
James Van Der Beek’s Cancer Battle & Advocacy
After Van Der Beek was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in August 2023, he publicly encouraged others to get screened for the deadly disease.
In a recent interview with “USA Today,” the actor disclosed how his cancer diagnosis has been difficult, but has also given him a deeper sense of self-love.
“Cancer’s a wild thing,” he said. “It really does force you to look at your own mortality and decide what’s important and decide really what you want to live the rest of your life without.”
What’s important to James Van Der Beek is the community and support for cancer research that will inevitably come from this charitable event, now featuring Lin-Manuel Miranda.
“Everyone please enjoy all the love in that room,” the actor wrote. “Shine some on my family. I will be beaming and receiving from afar in a bed in Austin.
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