Unless I misread the article from yesterday, it doesnt seem like the producers have to RAISE 4.5 million from an investor. I took it as that money is still going to be invested, but now instead from the individual, from the estate. The delays are due to HOW they are getting the money deposited into the bank account, from the estate of the investor who died.
Also, it is common for producers to begin spending invested money BEFORE all of it comes in. Pending on the deal and the investors' agreements, once you hit a certain percentage of investment, you may begin to spend that money on predetermined expenses. (For one, a down payment on the rental of the venue. Secondly, the shops needs to start building the set and costumes. Thirdly, some marketing/advertising may need to begin sooner, pending on the calendar and on strategy.)
I also find it hard to believe that the $4.5 million comes from a single investor. It's possible. However, I'd imagine that instead it was a co-producer. Funds would have to channel through differently, if that were the case.
"The Spectacle has, indeed, an emotional attraction of its own, but, of all the parts, it is the least artistic, and connected least with the art of poetry. For the power of Tragedy, we may be sure, is felt even apart from representation and actors. Besides, the production of spectacular effects depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet."
--Aristotle