"I just resigned from my job (as news anchor on KHNL News 8, the NBC affiliate) but I'm doing something I really love," Leong said of her re-entry into theater.

"I was among friends, colleagues and folks who all love the stage," she said. "I realized that this was my joy; that I needed to make time for things that are dear to me ... before time runs out."

It's been 10 years since she's been part of a full-scale production, though she developed a theatrical habit earlier while a student at Castle High School, when Bright, now her director, was a mentor. She co-emceed a show at Paliku Theatre earlier this year that included a "preview" of her singing and dancing, as part of a tribute show for Mr. B (Bright's nickname among his students and cast).

"A Chorus Line," the iconic backstage production about theatrical wannabes facing hope and disappointment, marks the 25th anniversary of the Kane'ohe theater that bears the director's name.

This is her first time portraying Diana, "and I'm finding her very relevant," said Leong.

In a production mounted here in 1988 by the late Tommy Aguilar (who originated the role of Paul in the London premiere of "A Chorus Line"), she played Maggie.

We asked Leong Five Questions.

You not only sing, you dance in this one. Are you intimidated?

"I've been battling this chest cold, which affects my voice, so in rehearsals someone has been singing for me. I hope I'm over it (by opening night). The cast includes fortysomethings, thirtysomethings and twentysomethings — the younger ones from Marcelo Pacleb's group, who are dancers. Let's say I'm keeping up."

What's it been like to be back among friends who share your passion?

"Jade Stice (who is playing the dance lead, Cassie) has on a knee brace. Tony Young (who is enacting Mike) has a back brace. You really need to be young (to be mobile). But Jade is a professional who has performed on Broadway, and most of us do theater for fun. We've become good friends over the years; she says I'm her mentor, since I'm older (Leong didn't reveal her age), but she's taught me a lot, too. That's the joy of the theater."

How does the show's theme — of want and need, with the clock ticking away — impact you personally?

"It's come full circle for me. What really hits home is when all the characters discuss how many years they have left to do this job. Sheila (another character) is getting older, mentioning how much time she has left — even if she has her eyes done. It's true. Whether in dancing or doing TV news.

"But it's all about choices and doing what you love to enjoy your life. I enjoy the immediate gratification and response that theater brings. On TV, I'm not able to be myself; I read and rewrite the news. On TV, you're the face of the ship, but you have no control of the ship. Theater is a cocoon, where you can be nurtured."

Was Diana your chosen role for your re-entry?

"I first saw 'A Chorus Line' when I was a kid, and heard the Diana character do 'Nothing.' I said to myself (sounding like a character in the musical), 'I can do that.' I really wanted to do Diana. It requires singing and acting, and as much as I loved doing Maggie and 'At the Ballet' earlier, I've always wanted to do (Diana's song) 'What I Did for Love.'

"And now Diana comes at a pivotal time in my life. I just couldn't sing 'What I Did for Love' the other night (after) I submitted my resignation (at KHNL). I choked up and teared when the line in the song goes, 'Look, my eyes are dry.' Diana is supposed to be tough, not cry; and it's a powerful ballad, so your voice is naked. My colleagues in the cast knew what I was going through. On this song, I have to use everything I have inside of me."

What's your next move?

"I'll definitely miss my friends (at the station), but not the hours. I want to have flexibility to do theater ... rehearsals and shows. I did get a job offer while doing that tribute show for Mr. B earlier this year, but can't reveal details now. I've got other priorities that will bring meaning to my personal life."