The opening tableau presents her wearing a lamp shade next to the divan with legs akimbo. Ray enters to serve her and ends up encouraging her in her new theatrical endeavor. Although he is in awe of her, he is not paralyzed in her presence. They become partners and succeed. Simply, the performances and the production do not deliver a madcap romp.
Cahoots has many bravura performances.
Sharon Gless's Madeline is a wonderful grand dame. She is the quintessential intelligent screwball. Her portrayal of Madeline is knowing and assured. Jordan Teplitz as Chester Chesterton, the embodiment of the Broadway producer with dollar signs in his eyes, is masterful. The rest of the cast are all obviously seasoned comic actors who all know how to deliver a comic line or execute a pratfall with elan.