Songs in a script??

Question:I have a BRILLIANT idea for a script (a musical of sorts, for the stage), but the script would require me to include music, i.e., songs that already exist in the world.

Let's say, for instance, I want to include the song "Ave Maria." Can I suggest the song in my script and let the publisher (or someone else?) deal with acquiring rights to the song? Or are song rights something that I, as the writer, would have to acquire?

It seems like a confusing question to ask. I hope someone can make sense of it!

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I have a BRILLIANT idea for a script (a musical of sorts, for the stage), but the script would require me to include music, i.e., songs that already exist in the world.

Let's say, for instance, I want to include the song "Ave Maria." Can I suggest the song in my script and let the publisher (or someone else?) deal with acquiring rights to the song? Or are song rights something that I, as the writer, would have to acquire?

It seems like a confusing question to ask. I hope someone can make sense of it!

That probably would not be a good idea. What if someone decides to do your play, but cannot get the rights to all of the songs? Usually in cases like this, YOU would have to get the rights to the songs with the stipulation that it can be used in any subsequent performances of your show.

For example one of the plot points in Noel Cowards "Blithe Spirit" is the use of the Irving Berlin song "Always". There is a note in the front of the script that the song may be used in the play as part of the contract you pay to put on the play.