I don't mind Sondheim either... what I do mind is those that come in with Sondheim and DON'T KNOW their music. So you're busy trying to play the music and to follow the singer.
DR Jose - I love that line "It's your audition, not mine" priceless, I must use it sometime!
Well... This will all be in my book eventually, so...
My "tradition" at the SETC and UPTA briefings is to start off with that piece of advice/warning/reminder plus a little bit of "levity" (I hope):
"Good Morning! Welcome! As I say at all these auditions, please remember...
It's Your Audition, Not Mine!
I have work (point to myself), and ... (points to the crowd of auditionees)."
-And there's usually some laughter after that.
Then I go into what I need from them: cue lines written out, a good copy of their music, etc.; and what I am more than happy to give them: cue notes, first couple notes of the melody, etc.
"I will not let you go up on that stage until I know what you need from me."
And I make sure to stress that I really do like playing auditions, and that I like singers and actors. -Which I really do.
"Now be brilliant!"