“The Lion King” presents a lion of a job for Fashion Cleaners

Each Monday, when cast members of the touring production “The Lion King” had a well-deserved day off, the staff at Fashion Cleaners took center stage. Since the production opened Jan. 13 at the historic Orpheum Theatre, members of the stage crew each week have delivered between 20-50 costumes to Fashion Cleaners.

The costumes are works of theatrical stage art and most, if not all, are unique. Many parts of the custom-made costumes are hand-painted and hand-crocheted. They are an investment of time, creativity and quality fabrics. Many of the costumes are made in part, if not entirely, of high-quality fabrics like raw silk. These include all of the hyena costumes, Simba’s mantel and Mufasa’s cape. Zazu’s brilliant blue costume is a cotton blend.

The cleaning staff doesn’t know what to expect from week to week. One week the hyenas need a thorough cleaning. Other times the Lion King himself needed spot cleaning. Just like the dress shirt from Rossi’s or the dress from Von Maur’s brought in by Fashion Cleaners regular clientele, each costume has washing instructions.

“It’s critical to be perfect in the cleaning process. There’s no such thing as a pretty good job,” says Fashion Cleaner owner Kermit Engh.

It’s not unusual for performers and performing groups to call on Fashion Cleaners. Other performers who have relied on Fashion Cleaners include Manheim Steamroller and M.C. Hammer.  “It’s understandable that we are called on for these types of jobs,” says Engh. “Perfection is a daily goal for us.

Although Fashion Cleaners takes exacting care with all of their clients’ wardrobes, it’s not every day a production the magnitude of “The Lion King” plays a part in your life.

“The Lion King” has been such an exciting event for Omaha,” says Engh. “All of us at Fashion Cleaners have been thrilled to play a part in it.”