BOSTON -- Team 5 Investigates has learned state officials are calling for an investigation into the demise of the North Shore Music Theater.

The Beverly theater closed this week with $10 million in debt, saying its efforts to raise enough money to continue with a 2009 season had failed.

"It's about who knew what and when," said Barbara Anthony, undersecretary of the state's Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulations.

Team 5 Investigates' Susan Wornick reported Thursday that Anthony is calling on Attorney General Martha Coakley's office to investigate.

NewsCenter 5 has already reported on hundreds, perhaps thousands of patrons who prepaid for tickets to the North Shore Music Theater's 2009 season.

Theater officials have said patrons will not get refunds.

"If consumers were deceived into buying tickets when it was clear that no productions would be held, that could constitute a violation of state law," Anthony said.

In the meantime, Wornick reported that under federal law consumers who paid by credit card may be eligible for refunds.

"Under the fair credit billing action consumers who didn't get what they paid for may be able to get a credit. They should call their credit card company to find out," said Anthony.

NewsCenter 5's calls to several members of the North Shore Music Theater's board were not returned.

Affected by theater's shutdown? Call the Consumer Affairs Hot Line: 1-888-283-3757