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.[6] 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.[19][20] In the letter, Carmichael also pointed out the church's many past lawsuits.[6] Alex Timbers was quoted as saying: "We've been told that the letter is a precursor to a lawsuit."[21] Carmichael visited the artistic staff a total of three times to voice his concerns before the play's debut.[21] After this occurrence, Jarrow and Timbers' attorneys advised them to insert the word "Unauthorized" into the title of the play.[6][5] This was done to avoid potential litigation from the Church of Scientology.[12][22] 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."[9]