Rock and roll and outer space make for not-so-strange bedfellows. If it worked for Bowie and Major Tom, it can work for When E.T. Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest, right?

The Fringe musical aims to combine the adventure of space, the intoxication of rock and roll and some good, old fashioned silliness. A semi-washed up rock singer, Joan (Emily Webbe), is already under public scrutiny for a strange music video she paid to broadcast internationally. Now, she’s getting calls from alien voices. Is it time to head to the funny farm? She gives treatment a shot, but since this is a sci-fi musical, naturally this isn’t all just her imagination working overtime.

The alien visitors are played by Alison Crockett and Dawn Robinson, and the pair have an easy, goofy chemistry as they bicker their way towards Earth. They’re after Joan, but in the mental facility, they also have a paranoid woman (Arielle Goodman, a real vocal powerhouse) and a schizophrenic man (Randall Holloway) to contend with, not to mention the doctor running the proceedings (Kyle Keene, with a gentle presence and pleasant voice).

When E.T. Flew makes some missteps. A two-person chorus of dancers seems out of place, a final ballad seems overtly preachy. And why is the rock star guitar-synching to the music? Regardless, James Levy’s melodies are catchy and meandering, and the show has enough energy to be a diverting treat.

When E.T. Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest has four remaining performances: July 19, 21, 23 and 24. Tickets are available online.