Preston Isham

Photographs by Jonathan McInnis Photography. and Brad Jackson

I have been a fan of Preston Isham for so long that I can’t actually remember the first time I saw him on stage. It may have been in A Chorus Line, but I can’t recall for sure. I only know that by the time he was in The Drowsy Chaperone at the Firehouse Theatre, I was a total fanboy, sending him messages praising his performance. I have since seen him perform in many plays, and his brilliance as an actor continues to impress me. Preston is one of those actors who can speak volumes with just a glance and when he sings and dances, you go straight to musical theater heaven without passing GO! Take a moment to learn more about the incredible Preston Isham.

When was your first time on stage?

Oh geez. If we’re counting recitals, probably at 4 years old, but my first time in a full-fledged production would have been at 11 years old in a summer camp production of The Unsinkable Molly Brown in an unnamed, probably non-speaking role at Creative Arts Theatre & School, or CATS for short, where most of my pre-college theatre training took place. I still think about that wonderful place nearly every day and wish that it were still in existence.

When did you know that you wanted to be an actor?

Not all that long after that production of The Unsinkable Molly Brown, maybe six months later, I did a production of The Wizard of Oz, where I took on my first speaking role as Uncle Henry (believable only because, at 12, I was nearing 6’ tall and growing terrible facial hair - ah, children’s theatre.) I was bit, as the saying goes, by the theatre bug. I vividly remember telling my dad that “I want to do musical theatre!” with the enthusiasm that only an early teen can muster. His response? “Are you sure you don’t want to be a car thief, or something where you can make some money?” as visions of a comfortable retirement community funded by a successful chop shop owner son faded away. I had, of course, never shown any proficiency /interest in grand theft auto.

Who is your greatest mentor?

Without fear of hyperbole, only cliché, I would have to name my mother, Linda M. Lee, as my greatest mentor. I like to say that, between my parents, I never had a chance at a “normal” life. My father was the lighting designer at a prominent equity theatre in DFW all of my young life, and my mom was the Executive Director of the aforementioned CATS. When I was 4 years old, my mom left CATS for new horizons, but enrolled me in classes, though at the time I had not shown much interest in theatre. After years of terrorizing teacher after teacher (sorry all - my ADHD didn’t allow me to pay attention that long at the time) and finally arriving at an excitement for performing, my mother worked me through the nuances of auditioning, cold reads, memorization, and all the drama that comes with doing theatre as a teen. She’s still among the first people I call all these years later when I need to puzzle out a theatrical decision. So, thanks Mom, for all the help along the way. Talk soon.

What role have you enjoyed the most in your career so far?

I have been lucky to play a number of roles I never thought I’d get to play, but my greatest performing pleasure has been portraying Jerry Lukowski in The Full Monty at MainStage Irving-Las Colinas, directed by Bruce R. Coleman, music directed by Pam McLain, and choreographed by Kelly McCain (a dream team if ever there was one).

The Full Monty was a huge moment of growth for me as a performer, not just from the act of actually doing the full monty onstage in front of an audience that certainly hadn’t bought me dinner first, but in that it really was my first time to anchor a show in the way that Jerry demands. I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect, supportive cast, with people that not only grew to be a family over the course of the production, but enduring years-long friendships at this point.

Do you have a dream role?

I certainly do! Since seeing it on Broadway and then watching the movie, I have dreamed often of playing Leo Bloom in The Producers. I just find his character so endearing in his journey from small, miserable accountant, to confident, albeit criminal, producer. Hey DFW, if you’re looking for a dancing tenor to play Leo, call me.

What person(s) would you like to be on stage with?

I have been fortunate enough to have already had this chance several times. I choose, as I do every day, my spouse and partner in crime - Caitlin Martelle Isham. She is a consummate professional in every show and every part she plays. I remain extremely grateful to have shared the stage (or should it be screen, since it was a streaming production?) with her in Daddy Long Legs at The Firehouse Theatre. I genuinely believe that she may be one of the smartest actors I’ve ever met. The way she works through a character and through a script to make the character the most honest version of themselves is awe inspiring. I’m lucky to share this insane world we live in with her.

Barring that answer - Dulé Hill. 

What performances have you seen that impressed you?

Most recently, I think I would have to say Parker Gray in Stede Bonnet: A F*cking Pirate Musical by Nicole Neely and Clint Gilbert at Theatre Three. In a cast full of standout performances, it was a delight to see his completely and fully committed performance. I use the word unhinged to describe the performance, but I mean that as the highest praise possible.

I laughed at the most raucous moments, but felt deeply in the moments where the script would quiet down and lean into the introspective nature of the character. It all played wonderfully across Parker’s face.

What are your career goals?

Honestly, just to keep doing this as long as I love it. I’ve been in a place where I was doing theatre just because I felt like I needed to in order to matter and I burned out. That wasn’t fun for me. Luckily, I had the chance to step away long enough for that desire to perform to come back in a way that really fulfilled me. I love it again, and I hope that the fire stays lit for a long time to come.

On a less serious note, I think my career goal is to just be the funcle (fun uncle) to my casts. Saturday morning rehearsals can be a drag, but way less of a drag with doughnuts.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

When I was 9 years old I had to relearn how to walk. I had had a surgery at Scottish Rite Hospital to lengthen my shortened Achilles’ tendons that put both my legs in casts for months, to the point where the muscles atrophied and couldn’t support me.

During the process leading up to the surgery, I was told by my surgeon that my legs would likely never be as strong physically because of the operation.

Apparently, I took that as a challenge. 

In high school I took dance classes (as a way to avoid taking P.E., but who’s keeping track?) and lo and behold, I had at least a slight knack for tap dancing. Now, my legs are about the only place where I can really claim to be strong. So take that, Doctor!