AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – It’s a musical that many of us can relate to, the journey of finding yourself and the struggles that come with mental health.

The Augusta Junior Players last performance of the season is “Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief.”

We sat down with the director and some of the cast members before they take the stage.

It’s rehearsal time at the Augusta Players new home.

The Augusta Junior Players are gearing up for Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief.

“So if you don’t know the story, the series, or the movie, there’s something for everyone. I think our parents will identify with it as well as our younger audience members,” said Roy Lewis, director.

Lewis says it’s a new twist on Greek mythology, with Percy Jackson on a mission.

“Percy, who struggles with dyslexia and ADHD, and he struggles to find his identity, and so the story is beautiful in that respect,” said Lewis.

The cast is full of different personalities.

Ella Jane Anderson is the antagonist, Clarise.

“She’s just very big and angsty, and always looking for a fight,” said Anderson.

This is a role that Anderson says is outside her comfort zone, but she’s taking it head-on.

“I’ve never had to work with a weapon before. And now all of a sudden, I’m practicing with a sword. It’s crazy, I’ve never had to do combat before. All of a sudden, it’s like, fight with someone, fight with a spear. I’m like…okay,” said Anderson.

There’s also some comic relief.

That’s where Braylen Fergerson comes in, playing the role of Grover.

“Overall, he’s just a very fun character, and it’s actually one of my dream roles, so it’s been exciting playing him,” said Ferguson.

When the cast bows and the curtain closes, the Augusta Junior Players hope you leave feeling empowered.

“It’s okay to be different, it’s okay to struggle with some things because eventually you’re going to find out on your quest where you belong and who you belong to,” said Lewis.

The performance is June 13 at 7 p.m., and June 14 with showings at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

You can get your tickets by going to https://augustaplayers.org/buy-tickets/.

Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – This week marked the first Jags baseball camp in their renovated facilities.

More than 60 kids showed up.

They taught fundamentals, had scrimmages, you know it.

A few friends were made, too.

“It’s kind of fun, you can meet new friends and you can play with them, hang out, and it’s not just like you’re friends with them here. You can be friends with them for the rest of your life now,” said Chris Howell, head coach.

Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.

AUGUSTA, Ga. – Just a few months after filing for bankruptcy protection, Hooters has abruptly closed dozens of locations.

However, the one in Augusta on Washington Road remains open, employees said.

The chain’s Atlanta-based parent company, HOA Restaurant Group, closed at least four Georgia locations:

• 209 Peachtree Road NE in Atlanta
• 3550 Gwinnett Place Drive Northwest in Duluth
• 6855 Douglas Blvd. in Douglasville
• 1854 Club House Drive in Valdosta

In South Carolina, locations closed in Columbia and Rock Hill.

In a statement, a company spokesperson says it closed certain company-owned locations to position the restaurant chain for the future.

A specific list of locations was not released, but local reports indicate about 30 locations were shuttered in seven states, including Florida, Texas, Michigan, and the Carolinas.

The 42-year-old chain is best known for its all-female wait staff in the iconic white tank tops and orange shorts.

Hooters was obtained by a private equity firm in 2019. It filed for bankruptcy in March 2025.

Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.