The star attraction is a great American "bear, " who will dance with the seductive maiden Esmerelda.

NPR: A Deal Undone: Smetana's 'The Bartered Bride'

Esmerelda Santiago, author of the memoir When I Was Puerto Rican, says the current crop of singers being pushed by the major labels could use some skin-tone diversity.

CNN: ASIANOW - TIME Asia