On Broadway, another classic series attempted a reunion.  The cast of Dawson’s Creek was set to come together on the stage of the Richard Rodgers Theatre for a reading of the pilot.  This was slated to be a benefit for F Cancer, James Van Der Beek’s pet charity since his colorectal cancer diagnosis.  Then he made this announcement: “This is the evening I’d been looking forward to MOST since my angel Michelle Williams said she was putting it together way back in January.  So you can imagine how gutted I was when two stomach viruses conspired to knock me out of commission and keep me grounded at the worst possible moment.  Despite every effort…I won’t get to be there.  I won’t get to stand on that stage and thank every soul in the theater for showing up for me, and against cancer, when I needed it most.”  It wasn’t all bad news – Lin-Manuel Miranda filled in.  “But I DO have an understudy.  A ridiculously overqualified replacement who would have been #1 on my wishlist (had I ever dreamed he’d be available).  Someone my kids would definitely consider an upgrade over me.”  The Beek did show up via a pre-recorded video.  You can see that video, along with some clips from the event, on BillyMasters.com.

This seems to be one of those columns knee-deep in nostalgia.  It was just announced that a reboot of Baywatch was greenlit by FOX for next season.  Some details still need to be worked out – including where the show will be situated.  While the original SoCal locale is the frontrunner, Australia is offering lots of perks.  Stay tuned.

In 1996, Baywatch breakout star Pamela Anderson made a splash in the film Barb Wire.  This is a favorite of mine, but somehow Pam missed it.  Earlier this year, her sons with Tommy Lee, Brandon and Dylan, asked her to watch it with them.  “So I did and I was like, ‘Oh my God.’  It was stuck in French with English subtitles.  I said, ‘That’s a good way to watch it.’  I could see it, but I couldn’t really hear me.”  It must have made an impact on her sons because they’ve launched a production company and are developing a series based on Barb Wire.  And, you know, if you can get grandmama to make a cameo and flash the puppies, all the better!