"He's a real loungey type of guy," Hallett said during a phone interview from his Hollywood home. "But it's much deeper than that."

Hallett describes his character, who resembles a slick devil wearing a white dinner jacket, as a "good demon" who can read the souls of people when they sing. The bar symbolizes a peaceful place where creepy-looking patrons and humans can mix and mingle and take turns at the mike.

During the opening episode the title character, Angel - a vampire/demon turned good-guy, private detective - sought advice from Hallett's character to help a female client. Hallett's character also coaxed the reluctant Angel to go on stage and sing the Barry Manilow hit "Mandy."

Hallett found working on the set fun. "Everyone was nice and extremely professional," he said.

A 1993 graduate of Barnstable High School, Hallet said he was shy about revealing his interest in performing when he was younger. He got his feet wet at a Patti LaBelle concert in Boston a few years ago when the singer picked him to come onstage and sing with her. The star and the audience were surprised at how well he sang.

"She called me a white boy with soul," Hallett said.

Hallett earned a degree in management and communications from Assumption College in 1997. After graduation, he went to L.A. to pursue an acting/singing career. He appeared in a few commercials, but never had a speaking role until "Angel."

Hallett, who works as a property manager, hopes to land more show biz jobs.

"I'm living life and loving it," he said.

His parents, David and Laurie Hallett, of Osterville, eagerly watched the show Tuesday night with a houseful of guests.

"We loved it. We thought Andy was great," Mrs. Hallett said.