Stranger Things: First Shadow Delves Into Humanity Amid Horror

Exploring the Humanity Behind the Horror in The First Shadow

Burke Swanson and Alison Jaye, who portray teen versions of Hopper and Joyce in the Broadway prequel The First Shadow, emphasize that their characters’ journeys are as much about human connection as they are about the supernatural elements of the story. Set in the 1950s in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, the play serves as an origin story for beloved characters from the Stranger Things series, including the terrifying villain Vecna/Henry Creel.

Swanson, who plays a younger version of Hopper, described the play as more than just a spooky sci-fi tale. “Within the spooky, sci-fi nature of it all, there are real humans trying to figure themselves out and figure out what their community’s like,” he explained. The play delves into the complex relationships between characters, highlighting not only father-son dynamics but also mother-child bonds and how these relationships shape individuals.

Patty, played by Gabrielle Nevaeh, is one such character whose struggles with feeling disconnected from her family and community lead her into dangerous situations. “Patty has really been pushed to the side, not only within the community, but also within her family,” Swanson said. “Bob did not support Patty in a way that she needed, and she comes into her own as this really incredible, strong female lead.”

Bob, portrayed by Patrick Scott McDermott, undergoes a transformation in the play, acknowledging his past mistakes and showing a willingness to change. “He gets this really powerful moment just to acknowledge, ‘I messed up and I want to do better,’” Swanson added. These moments, even amid the supernatural elements, serve as emotional anchors for the audience.

Hopper, in his teenage years, starts off as a “bad-boy” character but gradually matures as he tries to help his friends and neighbors. “In classic Hopper fashion, he's got a really sentimental heart,” Swanson noted. The play explores themes of community and friendship, showing how Hopper’s belief in being alone contrasts with the potential for growth through connection.

The stage production also brings back the nostalgic feel of the 1950s, capturing the aesthetics and music of the era. “It's been a blast getting to dive into the music, into the aesthetics and costumes,” Swanson said. “We really got to emphasize the color, the dynamic of that time period, visually.” The play highlights how the facade of a sleepy town begins to crack as strange events unfold earlier than expected.

Teen Joyce, played by Alison Jaye, is a bubbly theater kid with aspirations beyond Hawkins. “With this version of Joyce, there is a real questioning and push and pull of, 'Is this the life I'm going to choose? Or am I going to be able to get out of here and escape and become something bigger than this town?'” Jaye reflected. She praised the low-tech nature of the characters' lives, where they rely on each other rather than technology.

Jaye also appreciated how the play provides deeper insight into Joyce’s character, revealing her as a theater kid, a detail that resonated with fans. “People of all ages have been like: 'Oh, my gosh! Of course, Joyce is a theater kid! How did I not put that together?'” she said. The play adds layers to the characters, making their stories more relatable and compelling.

Teen Bob, played by Patrick Scott McDermott, is a shy and earnest character who shows a softness that contrasts with Joyce’s personality. “They are so different, but yet, it is the softness of Bob that softens Joyce,” Jaye said. Their relationship offers a glimpse into the early dynamics that shape their interactions later in the series.

As the fifth and final season of Stranger Things approaches, fans are eager to see how the story concludes. The prequel The First Shadow offers a rich exploration of the characters’ pasts, providing a deeper understanding of their motivations and relationships.