They both came from off-Broadway origins. They both received mixed critical/patron reaction. They both have merits and flaws placing it into a borderline position.
Which show do you prefer? If you had to see one again, which would you see?
My answer is Act I of SPRING AWAKENING and Act II of GREY GARDENS.

But honestly...I think I'd have to go with SPRING AWAKENING. Whilst I think GREY GARDENS was more solid, I just wanted to give SPRING AWAKENING another try. I didn't leave the show
moved, I left it
wanting to be moved. Unfulfilled. And I feel like if I see it again, I will be...(but perhaps not?)
"The Spectacle has, indeed, an emotional attraction of its own, but, of all the parts, it is the least artistic, and connected least with the art of poetry. For the power of Tragedy, we may be sure, is felt even apart from representation and actors. Besides, the production of spectacular effects depends more on the art of the stage machinist than on that of the poet."
--Aristotle