By Elizabeth Cerami
It was a reunion of Immaculata University talent as three alumni—Lindsay Kulp ’13, James Wier ’16 and Joe Billetta ’22—played key roles in a recent production of “Beauty and the Beast” at Footlighters Theatre, a community theater in Berwyn, Pennsylvania. Billetta, who infused the role of LeFou with comedic charm, teamed up once more with Kulp who mesmerized audiences with her portrayal of Belle, bringing depth, warmth and emotional range to the character. Wier, who has collaborated with both Kulp and Billetta in the past, stepped into a different, more multi-faceted role as co-director and set designer/builder, helping transform the stage into the enchanting world of the classic fairy tale.
All three were once members of Immaculata University’s Cue and Curtain Theatre club, but their collaborations on productions started from their involvement in community theater. Both Wier and Billetta credit Cue and Curtain with helping them grow and refine their talents. Wier describes Cue and Curtain as a supportive, loving community he will always cherish, one that gave him opportunities to meet people who shaped his love for theater, pushed him to explore character development more deeply, and empowered him to embrace his potential and take pride in his passion for the arts. Billetta, who served as vice president of Cue and Curtain, echoed Wier saying it challenged him to push his stamina, memorization and vocal abilities, helping him to refine his talents and grow as a performer. Wier and Billetta also share the unique legacy of portraying Mac, the IU Mascot. Wier brought Mac to life for all four years, while Billetta embraced the role for three.
During “Beauty and the Beast” auditions, Wier was unexpectedly delighted to be reunited with Kulp. At first, he didn’t recognize her name on the audition sheet for Belle, as she had used her married name. But when he saw her email signature with her maiden name, it clicked, and he said, “I know her from Immaculata!”
Billetta joined the team, having previously collaborated with both Kulp and Wier on community theatre productions like “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” with Kulp and with Wier on “Disaster!” Their combined creative energy and shared history made the production a truly unforgettable experience.
As the production unfolded, Kulp’s portrayal of Belle became central to the production, leaving a lasting impact on her castmates and crew, including Wier and Billetta.
Reflecting on his time working with both Kulp and Wier, Billetta said, “James was an outstanding director who constantly praised our work ethic and the talent of the cast. I admire his dedication, strong work ethic, and kind, personable nature. Lindsay was a joy to work with; she brought Belle to life beautifully, and I was thrilled to share the stage with her.”
For Wier, “Beauty and the Beast” has continued to play a significant role in his life. In 2017, he portrayed Monsieur D’Arque at Milburn Stone Theater in Cecil County, Maryland, and he’s currently an understudy for both Gaston and The Beast in SALT Performing Arts’ production in Chester Springs, PA.
Wier remarked, “While I love the show and Disney, my heart truly belongs to the production Lindsay, Joe and I, along with the entire cast and crew, created at Footlighters Theater. That show had and has a piece of my heart and soul embedded in it and that is because of people like Lindsay and Joe who opened their lives and hearts to our show and left everything on that stage.”
Kulp, a music graduate with a focus in vocal performance from Immaculata, now works as an accounts payable specialist at Pennsylvania Leadership Charter School in West Chester, PA. Wier, currently a User Experience (UX) Analyst for the ChristianaCare Health & Technology Innovation Center, holds a bachelor’s in digital communications from Immaculata and a master’s in interactive digital communications from Quinnipiac University. Wier credits his time at Immaculata for fueling his academic and professional growth. He was deeply involved as an admissions ambassador, Student Government leader, and First-Year Experience mentor. Billetta, an operations analyst at SEI in Oaks, PA, also earned his bachelor’s in digital communications and media, with minors in graphic arts and film studies from Immaculata. He was active in campus life, serving as secretary of Delta Pi Fraternity, vice president of Cue and Curtain and emcee for IU’s first Kairos retreat.
