Dana Manchester
John Goodwin was born on July 24, 1955 in Kansas City, MO.While he was growing up, he always excelled in school, but John's one life long love was theatre. After his high school graduation, John accepted a scholarship to Missouri Western state College in Saint Joseph, MO. After a two year stint in college , his family dedcided to make a big move and they settled in Panama City , Fl on the Gulf Coast. John lived there for a year before deciding to move to Fort lauderdale, Fl because his dream was to always live in a big city . John was first introduced to Female Impersonation in 1975 at a local bar in Pensacola, Fl and he was totally fascinated with the art. Shortly after, he started his career as Dana Manchester and made his first appearance at the Fantasy Club in Fort Lauderdale. From there he went on to work at very well known establishments such as Keith's Cruise Room, the Warehouse 8,and Tacky's of Fort lauderdale, which would become his home bar for two years. n 1977 , The Miss Florida F.I. Pageant was about to have one of its most shining representatives. John , having learned from his mistakes the previous year when he entered for the first time, came back to the Miss Florida Pageant in full force and, once again sponsored by Tacky's of Fort Lauderdale, took home the very well deserved title. Says Lola lush of Miami, "The year that Dana Manchester won Miss Florida was my very first time at the pageant. She was the winner at rehearsals as far as Iam concerned. I remember being at rehearsals with my Drag Mother Rachael Santoni and Bobbi Lake, respectfully Miss Floridas 1979 and 1991, and I remember commenting that Dana was the only one wearing women shoes as a boy(A beautiful pair of Charles Jordan may I add).I knew then and there that I was looking at our new Miss Florida. Her rendition of A Chorus Line is one of the best productions in the history of the Miss Florida pageant .She was a true talent and beauty!"
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Craig Russell
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