Last night at New York City’s Richard Rogers Theater, emotions ran high as the cast of Dawson’s Creek reunited for the first time in over two decades. The WB drama, which ran from 1998 to 2004, returned to the stage for a special one-night event benefiting F Cancer—a cause close to the cast after James Van Der Beek’s recent colorectal cancer diagnosis.

Tickets sold out in just 15 minutes, and anticipation built as fans filled the Broadway venue, usually home to Hamilton. On Hamilton’s off night, the stage belonged to Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, Michelle Williams, Busy Philipps, and other original cast members, who performed a live reading of the show’s pilot episode.

James Van Der Beek, heartbreakingly sidelined by illness, shared his regret on Instagram, revealing that two stomach viruses had kept him grounded at the last minute. Yet he still found a way to be part of the night. In a surprise twist, he introduced his replacement via video message—none other than Lin-Manuel Miranda. The Broadway star brought energy and humor to the role of Dawson, keeping James updated throughout rehearsals and ensuring his presence was felt.

As the cast took the stage to roaring applause, Katie Holmes appeared particularly moved. She struggled to contain her emotions when she, Joshua Jackson, and Michelle Williams walked out together—a trio whose bond has been celebrated since the show’s original run. Fans in the audience and online couldn’t help but speculate when sparks seemed to fly again between Holmes and Jackson, as the two held hands and shared laughter on stage. For longtime fans of “Pacey and Joey,” the reunion stirred nostalgic hope for more than just a performance.

The evening wasn’t only about reliving the past but also celebrating the resilience and enduring connection of the cast. The group closed the night by singing Paula Cole’s iconic Dawson’s Creek theme song, “I Don’t Want to Wait,” joined by Van Der Beek’s wife and children, who attended in his place.

On Instagram, Katie Holmes summed up the night with heartfelt gratitude: “I will never find the words for what these three beautiful humans mean to me… James, Josh, Michelle, from April 1997, I love you. James, you got this. We got you.” Van Der Beek responded simply but powerfully: “Love you. Thank you for being you.”

What began as a reunion became something much more—a tribute to enduring friendship, shared history, and the kind of support that goes far beyond the screen. For Katie Holmes, it was clear that words weren’t enough to capture the weight of the moment. For the fans, it was a night they will never forget.