Cruise ships nowadays boast rock-climbing walls and multi-deck waterfalls, but those things weren't always the epitome of excitement and glamour. In 1934, the S.S. America was just looking for a few celebrities.

		'Anything Goes' WHERE: Playhouse Conservatory Company, Point Park University, Pittsburgh Playhouse, 222 Craft Ave., Oakland. WHEN: 8 p.m. today and Sat.; 2 p.m. Sun. TICKETS: $14-$12. 412-621-4445.

That's the basis of the admittedly silly plot of "Anything Goes." The liner sets sail with lovelorn Billy pining after Hope Harcourt, an American debutante set to marry the British Lord Evelyn. Also on board are Hope's mother, Billy's boss, two-bit criminal Moonface Martin and his rather wanton sidekick, Erma. The star of the ship (and show) is nightclub singer Reno Sweeney, played in 1934 by Ethel Merman and in the 1987 Broadway revival by Patti Lupone.

Point Park's Conservatory Theatre Company has its own star in the role, Candi Boyd, who has a presence and confidence that light up the stage. As Reno, she's brash, sarcastic and totally likable, as comfortable dancing with the ensemble as belting out numbers like "Blow Gabriel Blow."

It's most fun to watch Boyd when she sings with one or two others because she's so precise in the relationships she establishes on stage. Songs like "You're the Top" and "Friendship" turn into little battles of wit, and Cole Porter's wonderfully clever lyrics shine afresh.

Those songs are really the other star of "Anything Goes," including Porter hits like the title number, "It's Delovely," "Let's Misbehave" and "I Get a Kick Out of You." They weren't all in the original show but there have been a number of hands in the "Anything Goes" pot, from originators Guy Bolton and P.G. Wodehouse to the 1987 adapters, Timothy Crouse and John Wideman.

Case Dillard as Billy shares several songs with Boyd, including "You're the Top." They're delightful on stage together, and he's a very charming Billy -- sweet, harried and romantic.

Michelle Shuttleworth fades to the background a bit as Hope, but Hope's not the most interesting role. Shuttleworth is certainly lovely and masters that "save me and fall in love with me" carriage so necessary in many young leading lady/love interest roles.

Many comic moments are added by Jason McIntyre as the desperate and ineffective Moonface Martin and Erin Krom as the saucy Erma.

Big dance numbers look good because of a tight and talented ensemble and Joan Markert's costumes help make them stand out. There's lots of the requisite red, white and blue, nifty sailor suits (some tailored into women's outfits) and lovely period gowns.

Scott Wise's set, though, lacks almost all period glamour and is mostly utilitarian, a basic ship bow and rail with three decks, including the stage. There are some minor deco touches, stylized waves (I think) shaped like whistles off to the sides and suspended in the air.

The set doesn't detract from director Jack Allison's overall show, which is lively and a lot of fun. Obviously, the S.S. America doesn't need a rock-climbing wall or putting green. "Anything Goes" sails smoothly without them.