NYC singer songwriter Billy Lewis Jr. is lead actor in rock opera ‘The Portal’

Making a living out of music or art is a tall order, in particular in a pricey place like NYC, but having a multi-faceted talent, like actors do, can certainly come in handy. The Portal – a Rock Odyssey, is an artful mishmash of theatrical performance, concert, and movie, an immersive, live band backed rock opera about the search for love and inner desire for transformation. Many local musicians are involved in this production, including lead actor Billy Lewis Jr. (Fox’s “Glee,” The Who’s Tommy, Spring Awakening, Hedwig & the Angry Inch), who is also a singer songwriter. Here’s a sneak peak (or sneak listen, if you will) into The Portal’s soundtrack: "Space Child", a track influenced by droney Eastern music and originally composed by Guatemalean group Kan’Nal, features entrancing vocals by the lead actor and an atmosphere that builds in intensity over time. Experience The Portal Wednesday through Saturday at The Minetta Lane Theatre. – Ashley Muniz