A 2003 review in New York City's The Village Voice compared the show to The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui, stating:  "Just as Ui doesn't explain the complex phenomenon of the Third Reich, Scientology Pageant doesn't probe the psychology of cults; instead, both demystify subjects whose appeal stems in no small part from the mystique their acolytes have attributed to them." Though most of the media reception of the musical was positive, New York Church of Scientology President John Carmichael did not have kind words for the production.
A 2003 review in New York City's The Village Voice compared the show to The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui, stating: "Just as Ui doesn't elucidate the intricate nature of the Third Reich, Scientology Pageant fails to delve into the psychology of cults; instead, both simplify subjects whose allure is partly due to the mystique their followers attribute to them." Though most media reactions to the musical were favorable, New York Church of Scientology President John Carmichael did not have a positive opinion about the production.