Veteran Allison Kymmell and Newcomer Jaiden Cupid Revel In the Overall Family Aspect, Not To Mention Performing With Olaf

Jeff Walker,  Entertainment Writer

Hosted by Mickey and Minnie Mouse, as well as cherished Disney characters the 2026 Disney on Ice production 'Magic of Family' show is an updated version of Frozen & Encanto, a live touring show bringing popular Disney stories to life through figure skating, acrobatics, and special effects. The popular show produced in partnership with Feld Entertainment returns to the North Charleston Coliseum from Oct 22nd thru Oct 25th. 

This adventure on ice transports fans into two of the most popular Disney films as audiences can sing-along to their favorite songs while embracing world-class ice skating, aerial acrobatics, and more. Audiences will see Anna, Elsa, Mirabel, and the Madrigal family live, as well as fan favorites Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald, Goofy, and many more including appearances by Stitch, Lilo, and Angel who stir up the action with mischievous surprises.

Charleston.com caught up with two of the performers in the 'Magic of Family' show. 32 year old Allison Kymmell first began skating with DOI back in 2018, with 22 year old Jaiden Cupid making his first appearance earlier this month.

An AUSFS 3-Time gold Medalist as well as a World bronze medalist USA 2021, Virginia native Kymmell could be considered a veteran skater. "I've spent 12 years on the road. This is my sixth contract with Feld and Disney." 

However, her journey began long before that. "I was six the first time I put on skates." It was engrained in her DNA. "My father was from the Netherlands and he skated, often to school. It's a big part of the culture there."

In the bigger picture she really has her grandmother to thank. "Before my Oma passed away she left money for me to take lessons." Kymmell adds, "Not long after I was competing. It helped that I had already been doing gymnastics at the time."

Her favorite characters to dress up as in the current production. "In the first act I get to be a buzzing bumble bee when Olaf sings 'In Summer'. It's a fun number and I enjoy skating to it. I also get to be a dancing donkey in act two during Encanto."

Kymmell just relishes being part of the overall show. "It's very family oriented. Frozen is all about sisters and Encanto deals with family dynamics. There is something special in both acts, but they revolve around family." She adds, "We're telling stories on the ice. Offering guests magical shared moments and an opportunity to forget about what's happening in the real world."

While Cupid is a relative newcomer to the Disney on Ice show, he's been skating in his native Canada as a competitive figure skater, coach, and professional performer. A decade younger than Kymmell, Cupid's start reflects the same path.

"I'm just 22, but I started skating at age six, so I've been at it for 16 years, and a lot of that on the professional level." Much like the Netherlands, Canada is a country where youngsters are born to skate. "Without question. It's big in Canada, with many kids either choosing figure skating or ice hockey. Happily I found my niche in figure skating." One of his favorite moments in the 'Magic of Family' show is also during Olaf's solo. "I get to be a seagull in the summer number." 

Cupid has come to appreciate quite a bit in just a short time with the show. "I love the way we operate as a family. The excitement that builds during each performance, and the guest reactions especially from the kids is what I love most about being out there on the ice."

Having been raised in Virginia and been performing at this level for more than a decade, Kymmell has travelled all over the country, and has been to Charleston on several occasions. "Even when I was younger my family would vacation in Myrtle Beach. I love Charleston and South Carolina."

As for Cupid, this will be his first time in the holy city. "I'm looking forward to it. From what I've heard, as well as from the cast and crew, Charleston is amazing. I'm excited to be able to see it for myself. I'm also looking forward to first time experiences in other great places the show will take me to."

Disney On Ice the 'Magic of Family' ice skating spectacular runs Thursday Oct 22nd thru Sunday Oct 25th at the North Charleston Coliseum. Including three matinee performances on Sat and Sun, there are seven shows overall. Forr tickets and info visit https://www.northcharlestoncoliseumpac.com/events/detail/disney-on-ice-presents-magic-of-family