Theater Under Investigation Postpones Opening Musical

A new North Hollywood theater venture under investigation by Los Angeles authorities has cut back its scheduled series of shows and postponed its opening musical.

The North Hollywood Renaissance Theatre postponed its revival of “The Music Man” to June 11, according to a sign in front of the old El Portal theater, where the production was to have opened its three-week run on Tuesday.

The musical “My Fair Lady” is scheduled to begin its run, as planned, on July 16, the sign says.

Cut out of the subscription season are “Born Yesterday” and “Death of a Salesman,” according to a recorded announcement on the theater’s telephone line.

The authors of those plays would not grant the rights to do them, said Martha Wilson, agent for Garson Kanin, author of “Born Yesterday.”

The Los Angeles city attorney’s office and Police Department began their investigations into the venture and founder Kevin Von Feldt in April when advertisements for the theater season began to appear.

Several actors complained their names had been listed in the ads without their permission.

One had already turned down a starring role.

The Equity actors union also raised concerns about Von Feldt’s ability to meet their regulations and payment requirements before his planned opening.

Von Feldt, who could not be reached for comment Friday, was jailed in 1987 after pleading no contest to a charge of false and misleading advertising in connection with a bogus airline company and classic movie series.

The recorded announcement on the theater phone line said that subscription season ticket-holders could get a full refund on their tickets or a 50% refund if they still want to see the two musicals.

Sue L. Frauens, a city consumer protection attorney, said she was “aware there had been been consumer complaints, however, it appears refunds have now been at least partially given.”

In the meantime, the theater at 5269 Lankershim Blvd. has gone back to showing movies.