STAGE

Scrooge on Hold : A production of “Scrooge,” scheduled to open Dec. 8 at the Wilshire Theatre, was canceled Monday when George C. Scott withdrew as the star. His agent Dan Kossow said from New York that Scott withdrew “because payment had not been made in a timely fashion” and Scott was concerned that the “delay would reflect on the quality of the production.” As of Monday, no contracts had been signed, either with the theater or with Scott. The Nederlander Organization which currently runs the Wilshire Theatre said presenter Kevin Von Felt was supposed to have come up with contracts and some earnest money Friday, but had asked for a few more days to get financing together. Kossow said Scott had “a handshake deal” with Von Felt but as of Monday the contracts had not arrived. The Nederlander Organization has stopped all ticket sales through Ticketron.