 Early in the production of the play , John Carmichael , president of the Church of Scientology in New York , found out that a theatrical production involving Scientology was in the works . After showing up unannounced to a rehearsal , Carmichael sent a letter to the play 's New York producer , Aaron Lemon @-@ Strauss , citing his concerns at the possibility of being ridiculed . In the letter , Carmichael also pointed out the church 's many past lawsuits . Alex Timbers was quoted as saying : " We 've been told that the letter is a precursor to a lawsuit . " Carmichael visited the artistic staff a total of three times to voice his concerns before the play 's debut . After this occurrence , Jarrow and Timbers ' attorneys advised them to insert the word " Unauthorized " into the title of the play . This was done to avoid potential litigation from the Church of Scientology . In an interview with The New York Times , Carmichael later stated : " These folks have a right to write whatever play they want ... but they 've sunk to clichés . " 
