Spotlight On: Hopping into the role of White Rabbit
2-minute read // Published by Young Peoples Theatre, April 2025
Written by: Chelsea Willis
Pictured: Alexis Gorseski in Alice in Wonderland JR.
Get to know the White Rabbit from our current production of Disney’s Alice in Wonderland JR. This role is played by Year 12 student Alexis Gorseski who shares the role with fellow student Daphne Jervis. Alexis is a Think Beyond Student at YPT and also a graduate from our Beginner Tutor Program. She has previously played Ursula in The Little Mermaid and one of the Witch’s in Into the Woods.
Who is the White Rabbit?
Alexis: He is a jumpy rabbit that is consistently and anxiously rushing himself place to place following his chaotic evil bosses’ orders knowing that ‘time is of the essence!’. He is attentive in following his duties under the pressure of the Queen of Heart’s extreme temper and threats of execution. He is often hurried and stressed, usually expressed through a dance, to the point he can’t even remember Alice’s name, or is it ‘Samantha?’
What has the rehearsal process been like for Alice in Wonderland?
Alexis: It has been an absolute joy to work with such talented people.
Shows always bring the opportunity to relink with old friends and even make new ones! I love the Junior shows as I get to work alongside the younger cohort. They are always so funny, and you can really tell how much enjoyment they get in performing. This acts like a constant reminder for me personally to remember why I love to perform, even when it gets stressful – they are awesome hang-out buddies! In this show I also had the opportunity to work alongside my two younger siblings, which is an unforgettable experience we all get to share. It was amazing to witness how quickly the show came together too! Within the first two rehearsals, it seemed we were all stage ready! The directing team did an excellent job in their casting as everyone just clicked at once when working together!
This show has the most fun set I’ve ever seen, and it was so elaborate! I loved using the slide and swing set, and so did the rest of the cast, including the directing team (haha). It was a lovely atmosphere to work in. I couldn’t ask for a better cast or team.
Do you see any similarities between yourself and the White Rabbit?
Alexis: I too am an extremely anxious person in real life and am constantly late to things, so I understand the stress behind the rabbit’s actions and words when he too isn’t on time. It also may be the perfectionist in me that makes me so stressed out for being late, and I ended up making many ‘character choices’ during the rehearsal period, rushing into the warmups that would already have started.
If you fell down your own rabbit hole, where would you like it to lead to?
Alexis: I would love to fall into a world of magic, like Harry Potter style, with witches and mythical creatures. The nerd in me would love to study at a school like Hogwarts too, performing enchantments, riding brooms, and eating all the cool foods!
Why should people see Disney’s Alice in Wonderland JR?
Alexis: If you’re a lover of the story itself, quirky set and costumes, elaborate choreography, and wacky, trippy lighting and designs, this is the show for you! It’s energetic, enjoyable, and truly a loveable classic that is brought to life by such talented actors, singers and dancers. It’s like a fever dream to be completely honest. The show is also extremely accommodating and for all ages, anyone can come and enjoy it!
Don’t be late and get your tickets before you miss out like the White Rabbit!
Come along and see Jonah along with 71 more YPT students in our most recent YPT Production!
Disney’s Alice in Wonderland JR. runs until 24 May at YPT Theatre. Tickets from $25 – book at ypt.org.au
