Van Der Beek is the heartthrob star of television's teen drama "Dawson's Creek." He will play a young scientist in the Lanford Wilson drama, which is directed by Guy Sanville, the artistic director of Michigan's Purple Rose, which commissioned the play (as well as commissioning Books of Days, the second selection in the Wilson season). Wilson is known for his lyric realism in such plays as THE HOT L BALTIMORE, The Rimers of Eldritch, Lemon Sky, Serenading Louie, Talley's Folly, Balm in Gilead, Angels Fall and Burn This. The Signature has had one of its most successful seasons ever with Wilson's works. The first show, Burn This, starring Ed Norton and Catherine Keener, became the company's biggest hit to date. It's current offering, Fifth of July, also scored, extending its run.